http://alwatandaily.kuwait.tt/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=94454&dt=Sun Oct 24 02:44:19 UTC+0300 2010
Debating the existence of 'Feltman's government' in Lebanon - Part I
Any incursions through the feet of two persons or more in an association or through a written or verbal agreement to commit felonies against persons or property are punishable by imprisonment with hard labor for a period spanning no less than 10 years.
Sunday,24 October 2010
By : Jameel W. Karaki
The United States of America, in its glorious capacity in being considered a shining and role model of democracy and a commendable state of institutions can at best be deemed as 'theoretical.' What is being implied in international circles is this sort of a notion: "All those who didn't have that opportunity or weren't fortunate enough to graduate from American universities have indeed missed a lot. All those who didn't enjoy drifting into the wilderness while holding on to an American made steering wheel should definitely give it a try, while all those who have yet to visit America, should just board the next flight out of their countries.
Ironically speaking, the American mindset over its foreign policies is full of contradictions and double standards - especially when it comes to crucial decisions that determine or shape the future of any given nation. American policy makers usually fashion themselves on the lines of international rulers who supposedly, are the only thinkers on this planet.
Overall, they know what's best for you, me and everyone else. They decide what you should eat, how you breathe or even how, why and what you decide upon. It looks like they consider themselves to be messengers sent by God Almighty to just to reach decisions on behalf of others. Paradoxically, this is precisely what the United States opposes in the absolute Iranian system of Velayat-el faqih.
Going by the strange and unwise policies of those in the corridors of power, people are classified and categorized in accordance to the American interests and the magnitude of their agreements that are in conformity with their own perspectives. People are hence classified under categories such as "terrorists, friends, enemies, anti peace, and plain good-natured people.
These policy makers send some of their most outstanding diplomats to the corners of the globe - carrying messages of unstinted support; guaranteeing the sovereignty, independence and security of the concerned states that they visit. Would anyone even care or dare question the credibility of those politicians? The answer is no - simply because the people seem to be suffering from a wave of insomnia because Lebanon is passing through a critical time.
The reality of the situation is that - more often than not, actions speak louder than words. This stand was purely evident when the former US ambassador to Lebanon and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman stopped short of denouncing remarks by the Congress over spending 500 million US dollars to distort the image of Hezbollah.
Mr. Feltman told the Foreign Relations Committee of the Eighth Congress in June that Washington "needs to provide assistance and support in finding effective alternatives to curb extremism and drastically reduce Hezbollah's deliberate intentions of attracting the younger generation of Lebanese minds into its fold." I cannot really comprehend, nor do I know for sure what he was actually insinuating? Did he mean that he was in favor of supporting extremism by supporting the activities of radical terrorists? And if that was what he actually intended, then wouldn't that create a hostile environment - especially with the war on terror being un-relentlessly launched by the United States?
Through these words of action, he has unwittingly violated Article 335 of the Lebanese Penal Code; that is amended by Legislative Decree 83/112. The decree does not mince words when it states that: "Any incursions through the feet of two persons or more in an association or through a written or verbal agreement to commit felonies against persons or property are punishable by imprisonment with hard labor for a period spanning no less than 10 years.
In fact, he ventured a step further when he said: "We have contributed (through the US Agency for Development and the Middle East Partnership Initiative) more than US$500 million to materialize those efforts since 2006." It is highly ironic that these programs that are meant to bring people together and create a culture of love and understanding between the US and other nations, are now being relegated to become destructive tools in the hands of those that hold them.
Taking into consideration the fact that all those negative aspects would eventually devastate the fundamental bearings of an already devastated country, lawyer Mai Khansa, filed a case against Mr. Jeffrey accusing him of inciting sedition among the people and stirring up sectarian discord. However, I have yet to bring myself to understand how a country like Lebanon, which has always regarded its sovereignty above everything else agreed to welcome the likes of a man who does not even care to understand the dire consequences of his words or actions.
It seems that our judiciary was caught napping when he set foot on Lebanese soil since his visit followed almost immediately after the visit of the Iranian President Ahmadinejad. That could be the only plausible reason explaining how he managed easy access through the airport and into the country. Or maybe it could be possible because of his political immunity in his capacity as a diplomat!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Debts in Kuwaiti transportation industry - a cause for concern
Friday,22 October 2010
By : Jameel W. Karaki
KUWAIT: Transport is an essential element in the development of any economy. Advancement in transport technology has extended the range of markets and increased the level of production and strengthened economical ties between major geographic areas. Within an effective transportation system, a nation can achieve economic growth since transport services play a major role in supply and demand which make the strategic role of the economy indisputable.
According to a report published by, Capital Standards in October 2010 entitled 'Debt Analysis-Kuwait Transport Industry' the transportation industry in Kuwait comprises of companies engaged in air and ground transportation services as well as companies that provide logistics services. The report also included data on companies such as Aviation Lease and Finance Company (Alafco) and United Projects Group (UPAC), which provide aircraft leasing and other related services in the analysis of the transport industry in Kuwait. It is important to note that the debt analysis in the report takes into account only the on-balance sheet debt obligations of the transport companies.
The report highlights the fact that the Kuwaiti transportation industry was not significantly impacted by the global economic turmoil in 2008 and 2009. Only the passenger airline business suffered the most due to high price competition. In addition, the companies in the transportation industry did not have high exposure to equity investments, which shielded their profitability from the volatility of the local stock market. At the end of fiscal year (FY) 2009, the total investments accounted for 5.6 percent of total assets (5.9 percent as of FY 2008) in the transportation industry.
Snapshot of industry debt
In FY 2009, the total debt in the transportation industry increased by only 4.9 percent, amounting to 772.51 million Kuwaiti dinars. During the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, the growth in total debt witnessed a slowdown. This can be mainly attributed to the stringent lending activities during these years. With the gradual recovery of the economy, the total debt in the first-quarter (Q1) 2010 significantly increased by 18.8 percent, and with the government's development plan the industry debt is expected to grow at a higher rate in the near future.
Agility's debt which amounts to KD 352.95 million as of December 2009 comprises 45.6 percent of the total industry debt. This is mainly driven by the size of Agility's business and operations. However, in terms of leverage measured by Total Debt to Total Assets, Agility's ratio of 19.7 percent is lower than the industry average of 25.3 percent.
Alafco is the most highly leveraged company in the transport sector, with debt amounting to KD 224.88 million. The company's leverage ratio in 2009 was 57.6 percent. This is mostly attributed to nature of the company's line of business which is mainly aircraft leasing. However, it is to be noted that approximately 80 percent of the company's debt is long term, significantly reducing Alafco's liquidity risk. Also, given the relatively low competition in the region for this sub-industry, profitability levels are expected to be stable in the near future.
Companies in the passenger airline sub-industry are the most vulnerable to credit risk in the Kuwaiti transport industry.
The absolute amount of debt may not seem significant for Jazeera Airways and Kuwait National Airways. However, it is to be noted these airlines also have a significant amount of off-balance sheet debt (approximately KD 105 million) in terms of lease payments. In addition, a significant portion of on-balance debt for both the passenger carriers is skewed towards short term.
Shift in the overall industry debt maturity
In FY 2009, 71.2 percent of the total debt in the transport industry is categorized as long term. Since the financial crisis in 2008, the growth in long term funding has been increasing.
However, a further breakdown of debt maturity by sub-industry reveals that even though the logistics sub-industry accounts for approximately 63 percent of the total industry debt, the companies in this sub-industry have the lowest percentage of short term debt as compared to the other sub-industries. The ground transport companies have 73 percent of their debt maturing within one year however the absolute debt amounting to KD 6.67 million is not very significant. The air transport sub-industry in Kuwait, which mainly focuses on passenger airline business, is highly exposed to liquidity and refinancing risks with 66.7 percent (KD 24.43 million) of debt maturing within a year. Also, given the high competition and deteriorating profitability, the debt levels of this sub-sector is expected to increase at higher rate than any of other sub-sectors.
In conclusion, the government of Kuwait is in the process of approving projects (such as the rail and metro project, cargo city project) to improve the transportation networks in Kuwait, keeping in pace with the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. After a number of years of slow development in terms of infrastructure, the recent initiatives by the government including the privatization of Kuwait Airways, are more likely to contribute to the growth of the transportation sector in the medium term. With the recovery of the economy and increase in business opportunities and competition, the Kuwaiti transportation industry may see a growth in the number of players as well as the overall debt levels.
By : Jameel W. Karaki
KUWAIT: Transport is an essential element in the development of any economy. Advancement in transport technology has extended the range of markets and increased the level of production and strengthened economical ties between major geographic areas. Within an effective transportation system, a nation can achieve economic growth since transport services play a major role in supply and demand which make the strategic role of the economy indisputable.
According to a report published by, Capital Standards in October 2010 entitled 'Debt Analysis-Kuwait Transport Industry' the transportation industry in Kuwait comprises of companies engaged in air and ground transportation services as well as companies that provide logistics services. The report also included data on companies such as Aviation Lease and Finance Company (Alafco) and United Projects Group (UPAC), which provide aircraft leasing and other related services in the analysis of the transport industry in Kuwait. It is important to note that the debt analysis in the report takes into account only the on-balance sheet debt obligations of the transport companies.
The report highlights the fact that the Kuwaiti transportation industry was not significantly impacted by the global economic turmoil in 2008 and 2009. Only the passenger airline business suffered the most due to high price competition. In addition, the companies in the transportation industry did not have high exposure to equity investments, which shielded their profitability from the volatility of the local stock market. At the end of fiscal year (FY) 2009, the total investments accounted for 5.6 percent of total assets (5.9 percent as of FY 2008) in the transportation industry.
Snapshot of industry debt
In FY 2009, the total debt in the transportation industry increased by only 4.9 percent, amounting to 772.51 million Kuwaiti dinars. During the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, the growth in total debt witnessed a slowdown. This can be mainly attributed to the stringent lending activities during these years. With the gradual recovery of the economy, the total debt in the first-quarter (Q1) 2010 significantly increased by 18.8 percent, and with the government's development plan the industry debt is expected to grow at a higher rate in the near future.
Agility's debt which amounts to KD 352.95 million as of December 2009 comprises 45.6 percent of the total industry debt. This is mainly driven by the size of Agility's business and operations. However, in terms of leverage measured by Total Debt to Total Assets, Agility's ratio of 19.7 percent is lower than the industry average of 25.3 percent.
Alafco is the most highly leveraged company in the transport sector, with debt amounting to KD 224.88 million. The company's leverage ratio in 2009 was 57.6 percent. This is mostly attributed to nature of the company's line of business which is mainly aircraft leasing. However, it is to be noted that approximately 80 percent of the company's debt is long term, significantly reducing Alafco's liquidity risk. Also, given the relatively low competition in the region for this sub-industry, profitability levels are expected to be stable in the near future.
Companies in the passenger airline sub-industry are the most vulnerable to credit risk in the Kuwaiti transport industry.
The absolute amount of debt may not seem significant for Jazeera Airways and Kuwait National Airways. However, it is to be noted these airlines also have a significant amount of off-balance sheet debt (approximately KD 105 million) in terms of lease payments. In addition, a significant portion of on-balance debt for both the passenger carriers is skewed towards short term.
Shift in the overall industry debt maturity
In FY 2009, 71.2 percent of the total debt in the transport industry is categorized as long term. Since the financial crisis in 2008, the growth in long term funding has been increasing.
However, a further breakdown of debt maturity by sub-industry reveals that even though the logistics sub-industry accounts for approximately 63 percent of the total industry debt, the companies in this sub-industry have the lowest percentage of short term debt as compared to the other sub-industries. The ground transport companies have 73 percent of their debt maturing within one year however the absolute debt amounting to KD 6.67 million is not very significant. The air transport sub-industry in Kuwait, which mainly focuses on passenger airline business, is highly exposed to liquidity and refinancing risks with 66.7 percent (KD 24.43 million) of debt maturing within a year. Also, given the high competition and deteriorating profitability, the debt levels of this sub-sector is expected to increase at higher rate than any of other sub-sectors.
In conclusion, the government of Kuwait is in the process of approving projects (such as the rail and metro project, cargo city project) to improve the transportation networks in Kuwait, keeping in pace with the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. After a number of years of slow development in terms of infrastructure, the recent initiatives by the government including the privatization of Kuwait Airways, are more likely to contribute to the growth of the transportation sector in the medium term. With the recovery of the economy and increase in business opportunities and competition, the Kuwaiti transportation industry may see a growth in the number of players as well as the overall debt levels.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
القائم بالأعمال الإيراني أكد أن بلاده درع واقٍ لا مهدد للدول المجاورة
القائم بالأعمال الإيراني أكد أن بلاده درع واقٍ لا مهدد للدول المجاورة
سيد محمد شهابي: العلاقات الكويتية- الإيرانية متجذرة ونموذج يحتذى
رفضنا هيمنة القادمين من خلف البحار وطالبنا بصياغة منظومة أمنية إقليمية
تعاون الكويت وإيران يمكنهما من لعب دور محوري لتكريس الأمن في المنطقة
العقوبات الاقتصادية أفادت إيران بالاعتماد على النفس وخسرت الشركات الغربية
واشنطن تحاول تعقيد الأوضاع في المنطقة.. وخبراء الوكالة الدولية أكدوا أن برنامجنا النووي سلمي
زيارة الرئيس نجاد إلى لبنان دعم لكل اللبنانيين
الجمهورية الاسلامية الايرانية في دولة الكويت الدكتور سيد محمد شهابي ويبدو د.سمير أرشدي الملحق الاعلامي
كتب جميل كركي:
وصف القائم بالأعمال في سفارة الجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية في الكويت الدكتور سيد محمد شهابي العلاقات الكويتية الإيرانية بـ«المتجذرة ونموذج يحتذى».
وأكد أن إيران لا تشكل أي تهديد لأمن المنطقة بل هي درع واق للدول المجاورة، لافتا إلى رفض إيران لهيمنة القادمين من خلف البحار ومطالبتها بصياغة منظومة أمنية إقليمية بأيدي دول المنطقة.
وقال شهابي في لقائه مع «الوطن» إن تعاون الكويت وإيران يمكنهما من لعب دور محوري لتكريس الأمن في المنطقة.
وذكر أن العقوبات الاقتصادية التي فرضت على طهران كان لها أثر إيجابي على الاقتصاد الإيراني ومكنت إيران من الاعتماد على النفس وأضرت أكثر بالشركات الغربية.
وأشار شهابي إلى أن واشنطن تحاول تعقيد الأوضاع في المنطقة، مبينا أن خبراء الوكالة الدولية للطاقة الذرية أكدوا أن برنامج إيران النووي سلمي وجميع المنشآت النووية الإيرانية تواصل عملها تحت إشراف الوكالة.
وقال: إن إيران أكدت رغبتها في استئناف المفاوضات حول برنامجها النووي ورحبت باقتراح وزير خارجية الاتحاد الأوروبي في استئنافها منتصف نوفمبر المقبل.
وأكد شهابي أن زيارة الرئيس الإيراني الأخيرة إلى لبنان دعم لكل اللبنانيين، كما كشف عن تفاصيل أخرى في الحوار التالي:
< كيف ترون آفاق العلاقات الثنائية بين الكويت وإيران؟.
- إن العلاقات الثنائية بين بلدينا الجارين متجذرة وتعود لقرون سابقة حيث ساهمت الجالية الايرانية في بناء هذا البلد الطيب وعمرانه فكانت علاقات مصاهرة وتواصل اجتماعي عريق. وكان التبادل التجاري بين موانئ الكويت وبو شهر وخرمشهر وبندر عباس الركيزة الأساسية للعلاقات بين الشعبين.
كما كانت ايران من أوائل الدول التي اعترفت بدولة الكويت بعد استقلالها وترجمت هذا الاعتراف الى واقع ملموس بافتتاح السفارة الايرانية في الكويت عام 1962 حيث سوف نحتفل بعد عاميين بالذكرى الخمسين لانطلاق العلاقات الدبلوماسية بين البلدين، وكذلك فإن مواقف ايران الداعمة للكويت ورفضها الغزو العراقي الشرس ودعوتها الى انسحاب النظام البعثي المقبور من الكويت كان له الأثر البالغ في ترسيخ العلاقات بين بلدينا في جميع المجالات. وأكدت الزيارة التي قام بها فخامة الرئيس أحمدي نجاد الى الكويت في فبراير 2006 ومباحثاته الثنائية مع أخيه صاحب السمو أمير الكويت الشيخ صباح الأحمد الجابر الصباح حول سبل تعزيز العلاقات على رغبة وحرص القيادة الحكيمة في البلدين على تطوير التعاون بينهما.
والموقع الجيواستراتيجي لدولة الكويت ورئاستها الحالية لمجلس التعاون الخليجي من جهة والثقل السياسي للجمهورية الاسلامية وحجم تأثيرها الاقليمي جعل العلاقات الثنائية بين البلدين هي الأكثر حيوية ونشاطا بين دول المنطقة وأصبحت نموذجا يحتذى به انطلاقا من رؤية البلدين للمصالح والتحديات المشتركة التي تواجهما.
العقوبات
< ما مدى تأثير العقوبات الاقتصادية والتجارية على الاقتصاد الايراني؟.
- لا أريد ان أنكر دور العقوبات الدولية على الشعب الايراني ولكن أؤكد بأنها تضر الشركات والمؤسسات الأوروبية أكثر مما تضر الاقتصاد الايراني، وفرض هذه الحزمة الجديدة من العقوبات على ايران يلقي بظلال قاتمة على المنطقة التي تحتاج أكثر من أي وقت مضى للاستقرار والهدوء. ولذلك فإن الحوار من أجل التعاون هو الخيار الوحيد لأن سياسية العقوبات غير مثمرة وأثبتت فشلها خلال السنوات الماضية. ومن هنا فقد جاء اعلان وزير خارجية الاتحاد الأوربي التي تمثل الدول الكبرى بعرضها استئناف المفاوضات في منتصف نوفمبر المقبل بعد خمسة أشهر من حزمة فرض حزمة العقوبات الأخيرة بعد تأكيد رغبة طهران في اجراء المفاوضات في فيينا وقد رحبت ايران بهذا الاقتراح.
وأشير إلى أن قطاعات النفط لم تصب بأي ضرر جراء العقوبات الدولية وأن الدول المستثمرة تضر بنفسها بسبب الانصياع للمطالب الأمريكية، والعقوبات لم تعد مجدية لان العالم أدرك سلمية النشاط النووي الايراني وأن تسييس الملف التقني والعلمي الايراني ليس من مصلحة أحد.
ولكن رفض ايران لنهج التبعية والخضوع وطموحها لتعزيز قدراتها الاقتصادية واعتمادها على نفسها هو الذي يدفع الدول الكبرى وعلى رأسها أمريكا لفرض نزعتها الاستعلائية على الدول الاسلامية. وهذه العقوبات قرار مجحف ومناف لابسط قواعد النزاهة والعدالة.
ولذلك فإن واشنطن تحاول تعقيد الأوضاع في المنطقة من خلال فرض العقوبات على ايران في حين تتجاهل ترسانة اسرائيل النووية وارهاب الدولة الذي تمارسه بحق الشعب الفلسطيني المظلوم. وبالنسبة لبرنامجنا النووي أكد خبراء الوكالة الدولية للطاقة الذرية مرارا وتكرارا النشاط السلمي للمفاعلات الايرانية وهي تواصل عملها تحت اشراف الوكالة.
وأيضا فإن العقوبات خدمت الاقتصاد الايراني خدمة عظيمة حيث استطاع شعبنا من خلال الاعتماد على النفس وتأمين احتياجاته الاساسية الاستغناء عن الكثير من البضائع التي كان يستوردها من الخارج مثل سد النقص الحاصل في المحروقات والبنزين حيث كان الغرب يتوهم أن منع تصدير البنزين الى إيران سوف يشل حركة وعجلة الاقتصاد الايراني.
الدبلوماسية الشعبية
< ما أبعاد زيارة الوفد الاعلامي الكويتي الى مدينة مشهد؟.
- الوفد الاعلامي الكويتي هو أضخم وأكبر وفد يزور الجمهورية الاسلامية الايرانية وتأتي هذه الزيارة في اطار تفعيل الدبلوماسية الشعبية والاعلامية حيث يضم كوكبة من النخب الاعلامية ورؤساء تحرير الصحف والمجلات ونظمت الزيارة بالتعاون مع جمعية الصحافيين الكويتية التي بادرت لترتيب الزيارة التي نجحت قبل ان تبدأ حيث لمسنا الاهتمام من قبل الجهات المعنية في البلدين.
وقد التقى الوفد بمحافظ خراسان الذي شجع رجال الصحافة الكويتية على تكثيف التواصل والتعاون بعد مرحلة من الجفاء والتباعد مؤكدا ان رجال الاعلام هم قادة الفكر وهداة الرأي العام مطمئنا شعوب المنطقة بالعيش بسلام ووئام.
درع واقية
< ما ردكم على فكرة ان ايران تشكل تهديدا لأمن للمنطقة؟
- ان ايران لا تشكل أي تهديد أمني للدول المجاورة بل تشكل درعا واقية تحمي هذه الدول من الكثير من المنغصات والمشاكل.ان تصدي ايران للعصابات المسلحة التي تعمل على تهريب المخدرات والأسلحة والمشروبات الكحولية وتقديمها الى العديد من شهداء حرس الحدود الذين يقدمون أرواحهم في سبيل الحفاظ على سلامة الأجيال الشابة وهو موضوع قد لا تدرك أهميته الدول المجاورة، فخلال 24 ساعة نجح حرس الحدود الايراني في التصدي لعصابات تهريب المخدرات وضبط 8 أطنان من المخدرات في معبر حدودي واحد في ايران.
وإيران كثيراً ما رفضت الوجود العسكري في المنطقة وطالبنا بضرورة صياغة منظومة أمنية اقليمية تكفل الأمن في المنطقة بيد أهلها بعيدا عن هيمنة القادمين من وراء البحار.
ونحن نؤمن بأن أمن المنطقة يتحقق عن طريق الحوار والتعاون المتبادل لأن ظروف المنطقة الحالية قد تبدلت وتحولت بشكل كبير والوجود العسكري الأجنبي لم يحقق الاستقرار والأمان. فالثقة المتبادلة والاهتمام بالمصالح المشتركة والتعاون بين دول المنطقة يكفل الاستقرار، وعلى هذا الأساس فإن ايران باعتبارها مركز ثقل في المنطقة والكويت بصفتها رئيسة مجلس التعاون يمكنهما لعب دور محوري لتكريس الأمن في المنطقة.
< كيف تقيمون زيارة الرئيس أحمدي نجاد الى لبنان؟
- زيارة الرئيس أحمدي نجاد كانت ناجحة بكل المقاييس حيث شاهدتم الاستقبال الجماهيري غير المسبوق من قبل كل ألوان الطيف السياسي الذي أعاد الهدوء الى قاموس السياسة اللبنانية وهو الذي أكد في كلمته بالقول: «نريد لبناناً واحدا متحدا وقويا ومتطورا، لذلك فإن الدعم الذي حظيت به الزيارة من قبل الدول العربية لاسيما من قبل المملكة العربية السعودية الجمهورية العربية السورية والترحيب الذي لاقته من قبل أبناء الشعب اللبناني يؤكد الدور المحوري لايران في الشرق الأوسط ونجاح دبلوماسيتها.
وكذلك أوصل الرئيس نجاد رسالة ايران الى كل لبنان وقالها بالعربية «سنبقى معكم أبدا» حيث فتح أبواب التعاون اللامحدود وبلا استثناء وبلا لون سياسي أو مذهبي فقد خاطب المسيحيين والشيعة والسنة بلغة واحدة محذرا من ان القوى الاستكبارية والمتغطرسة لا تتحمل الوحدة والانسجام وتبذل جهدها لشق الصف وزرع الفتن.
كما ان اعلان الرئيس أحمدي نجاد تأسيس جبهة مقاومة من فلسطين ولبنان وسورية وتركيا والعراق وايران ذات رؤية مشتركة تؤمن بحق الدفاع عن المنطقة وحقوق شعوبها هو خطوة رائدة وموفقة لكبح جماح الهيمنة الأمريكية وغطرسة اسرائيل.
سيد محمد شهابي: العلاقات الكويتية- الإيرانية متجذرة ونموذج يحتذى
رفضنا هيمنة القادمين من خلف البحار وطالبنا بصياغة منظومة أمنية إقليمية
تعاون الكويت وإيران يمكنهما من لعب دور محوري لتكريس الأمن في المنطقة
العقوبات الاقتصادية أفادت إيران بالاعتماد على النفس وخسرت الشركات الغربية
واشنطن تحاول تعقيد الأوضاع في المنطقة.. وخبراء الوكالة الدولية أكدوا أن برنامجنا النووي سلمي
زيارة الرئيس نجاد إلى لبنان دعم لكل اللبنانيين
الجمهورية الاسلامية الايرانية في دولة الكويت الدكتور سيد محمد شهابي ويبدو د.سمير أرشدي الملحق الاعلامي
كتب جميل كركي:
وصف القائم بالأعمال في سفارة الجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية في الكويت الدكتور سيد محمد شهابي العلاقات الكويتية الإيرانية بـ«المتجذرة ونموذج يحتذى».
وأكد أن إيران لا تشكل أي تهديد لأمن المنطقة بل هي درع واق للدول المجاورة، لافتا إلى رفض إيران لهيمنة القادمين من خلف البحار ومطالبتها بصياغة منظومة أمنية إقليمية بأيدي دول المنطقة.
وقال شهابي في لقائه مع «الوطن» إن تعاون الكويت وإيران يمكنهما من لعب دور محوري لتكريس الأمن في المنطقة.
وذكر أن العقوبات الاقتصادية التي فرضت على طهران كان لها أثر إيجابي على الاقتصاد الإيراني ومكنت إيران من الاعتماد على النفس وأضرت أكثر بالشركات الغربية.
وأشار شهابي إلى أن واشنطن تحاول تعقيد الأوضاع في المنطقة، مبينا أن خبراء الوكالة الدولية للطاقة الذرية أكدوا أن برنامج إيران النووي سلمي وجميع المنشآت النووية الإيرانية تواصل عملها تحت إشراف الوكالة.
وقال: إن إيران أكدت رغبتها في استئناف المفاوضات حول برنامجها النووي ورحبت باقتراح وزير خارجية الاتحاد الأوروبي في استئنافها منتصف نوفمبر المقبل.
وأكد شهابي أن زيارة الرئيس الإيراني الأخيرة إلى لبنان دعم لكل اللبنانيين، كما كشف عن تفاصيل أخرى في الحوار التالي:
< كيف ترون آفاق العلاقات الثنائية بين الكويت وإيران؟.
- إن العلاقات الثنائية بين بلدينا الجارين متجذرة وتعود لقرون سابقة حيث ساهمت الجالية الايرانية في بناء هذا البلد الطيب وعمرانه فكانت علاقات مصاهرة وتواصل اجتماعي عريق. وكان التبادل التجاري بين موانئ الكويت وبو شهر وخرمشهر وبندر عباس الركيزة الأساسية للعلاقات بين الشعبين.
كما كانت ايران من أوائل الدول التي اعترفت بدولة الكويت بعد استقلالها وترجمت هذا الاعتراف الى واقع ملموس بافتتاح السفارة الايرانية في الكويت عام 1962 حيث سوف نحتفل بعد عاميين بالذكرى الخمسين لانطلاق العلاقات الدبلوماسية بين البلدين، وكذلك فإن مواقف ايران الداعمة للكويت ورفضها الغزو العراقي الشرس ودعوتها الى انسحاب النظام البعثي المقبور من الكويت كان له الأثر البالغ في ترسيخ العلاقات بين بلدينا في جميع المجالات. وأكدت الزيارة التي قام بها فخامة الرئيس أحمدي نجاد الى الكويت في فبراير 2006 ومباحثاته الثنائية مع أخيه صاحب السمو أمير الكويت الشيخ صباح الأحمد الجابر الصباح حول سبل تعزيز العلاقات على رغبة وحرص القيادة الحكيمة في البلدين على تطوير التعاون بينهما.
والموقع الجيواستراتيجي لدولة الكويت ورئاستها الحالية لمجلس التعاون الخليجي من جهة والثقل السياسي للجمهورية الاسلامية وحجم تأثيرها الاقليمي جعل العلاقات الثنائية بين البلدين هي الأكثر حيوية ونشاطا بين دول المنطقة وأصبحت نموذجا يحتذى به انطلاقا من رؤية البلدين للمصالح والتحديات المشتركة التي تواجهما.
العقوبات
< ما مدى تأثير العقوبات الاقتصادية والتجارية على الاقتصاد الايراني؟.
- لا أريد ان أنكر دور العقوبات الدولية على الشعب الايراني ولكن أؤكد بأنها تضر الشركات والمؤسسات الأوروبية أكثر مما تضر الاقتصاد الايراني، وفرض هذه الحزمة الجديدة من العقوبات على ايران يلقي بظلال قاتمة على المنطقة التي تحتاج أكثر من أي وقت مضى للاستقرار والهدوء. ولذلك فإن الحوار من أجل التعاون هو الخيار الوحيد لأن سياسية العقوبات غير مثمرة وأثبتت فشلها خلال السنوات الماضية. ومن هنا فقد جاء اعلان وزير خارجية الاتحاد الأوربي التي تمثل الدول الكبرى بعرضها استئناف المفاوضات في منتصف نوفمبر المقبل بعد خمسة أشهر من حزمة فرض حزمة العقوبات الأخيرة بعد تأكيد رغبة طهران في اجراء المفاوضات في فيينا وقد رحبت ايران بهذا الاقتراح.
وأشير إلى أن قطاعات النفط لم تصب بأي ضرر جراء العقوبات الدولية وأن الدول المستثمرة تضر بنفسها بسبب الانصياع للمطالب الأمريكية، والعقوبات لم تعد مجدية لان العالم أدرك سلمية النشاط النووي الايراني وأن تسييس الملف التقني والعلمي الايراني ليس من مصلحة أحد.
ولكن رفض ايران لنهج التبعية والخضوع وطموحها لتعزيز قدراتها الاقتصادية واعتمادها على نفسها هو الذي يدفع الدول الكبرى وعلى رأسها أمريكا لفرض نزعتها الاستعلائية على الدول الاسلامية. وهذه العقوبات قرار مجحف ومناف لابسط قواعد النزاهة والعدالة.
ولذلك فإن واشنطن تحاول تعقيد الأوضاع في المنطقة من خلال فرض العقوبات على ايران في حين تتجاهل ترسانة اسرائيل النووية وارهاب الدولة الذي تمارسه بحق الشعب الفلسطيني المظلوم. وبالنسبة لبرنامجنا النووي أكد خبراء الوكالة الدولية للطاقة الذرية مرارا وتكرارا النشاط السلمي للمفاعلات الايرانية وهي تواصل عملها تحت اشراف الوكالة.
وأيضا فإن العقوبات خدمت الاقتصاد الايراني خدمة عظيمة حيث استطاع شعبنا من خلال الاعتماد على النفس وتأمين احتياجاته الاساسية الاستغناء عن الكثير من البضائع التي كان يستوردها من الخارج مثل سد النقص الحاصل في المحروقات والبنزين حيث كان الغرب يتوهم أن منع تصدير البنزين الى إيران سوف يشل حركة وعجلة الاقتصاد الايراني.
الدبلوماسية الشعبية
< ما أبعاد زيارة الوفد الاعلامي الكويتي الى مدينة مشهد؟.
- الوفد الاعلامي الكويتي هو أضخم وأكبر وفد يزور الجمهورية الاسلامية الايرانية وتأتي هذه الزيارة في اطار تفعيل الدبلوماسية الشعبية والاعلامية حيث يضم كوكبة من النخب الاعلامية ورؤساء تحرير الصحف والمجلات ونظمت الزيارة بالتعاون مع جمعية الصحافيين الكويتية التي بادرت لترتيب الزيارة التي نجحت قبل ان تبدأ حيث لمسنا الاهتمام من قبل الجهات المعنية في البلدين.
وقد التقى الوفد بمحافظ خراسان الذي شجع رجال الصحافة الكويتية على تكثيف التواصل والتعاون بعد مرحلة من الجفاء والتباعد مؤكدا ان رجال الاعلام هم قادة الفكر وهداة الرأي العام مطمئنا شعوب المنطقة بالعيش بسلام ووئام.
درع واقية
< ما ردكم على فكرة ان ايران تشكل تهديدا لأمن للمنطقة؟
- ان ايران لا تشكل أي تهديد أمني للدول المجاورة بل تشكل درعا واقية تحمي هذه الدول من الكثير من المنغصات والمشاكل.ان تصدي ايران للعصابات المسلحة التي تعمل على تهريب المخدرات والأسلحة والمشروبات الكحولية وتقديمها الى العديد من شهداء حرس الحدود الذين يقدمون أرواحهم في سبيل الحفاظ على سلامة الأجيال الشابة وهو موضوع قد لا تدرك أهميته الدول المجاورة، فخلال 24 ساعة نجح حرس الحدود الايراني في التصدي لعصابات تهريب المخدرات وضبط 8 أطنان من المخدرات في معبر حدودي واحد في ايران.
وإيران كثيراً ما رفضت الوجود العسكري في المنطقة وطالبنا بضرورة صياغة منظومة أمنية اقليمية تكفل الأمن في المنطقة بيد أهلها بعيدا عن هيمنة القادمين من وراء البحار.
ونحن نؤمن بأن أمن المنطقة يتحقق عن طريق الحوار والتعاون المتبادل لأن ظروف المنطقة الحالية قد تبدلت وتحولت بشكل كبير والوجود العسكري الأجنبي لم يحقق الاستقرار والأمان. فالثقة المتبادلة والاهتمام بالمصالح المشتركة والتعاون بين دول المنطقة يكفل الاستقرار، وعلى هذا الأساس فإن ايران باعتبارها مركز ثقل في المنطقة والكويت بصفتها رئيسة مجلس التعاون يمكنهما لعب دور محوري لتكريس الأمن في المنطقة.
< كيف تقيمون زيارة الرئيس أحمدي نجاد الى لبنان؟
- زيارة الرئيس أحمدي نجاد كانت ناجحة بكل المقاييس حيث شاهدتم الاستقبال الجماهيري غير المسبوق من قبل كل ألوان الطيف السياسي الذي أعاد الهدوء الى قاموس السياسة اللبنانية وهو الذي أكد في كلمته بالقول: «نريد لبناناً واحدا متحدا وقويا ومتطورا، لذلك فإن الدعم الذي حظيت به الزيارة من قبل الدول العربية لاسيما من قبل المملكة العربية السعودية الجمهورية العربية السورية والترحيب الذي لاقته من قبل أبناء الشعب اللبناني يؤكد الدور المحوري لايران في الشرق الأوسط ونجاح دبلوماسيتها.
وكذلك أوصل الرئيس نجاد رسالة ايران الى كل لبنان وقالها بالعربية «سنبقى معكم أبدا» حيث فتح أبواب التعاون اللامحدود وبلا استثناء وبلا لون سياسي أو مذهبي فقد خاطب المسيحيين والشيعة والسنة بلغة واحدة محذرا من ان القوى الاستكبارية والمتغطرسة لا تتحمل الوحدة والانسجام وتبذل جهدها لشق الصف وزرع الفتن.
كما ان اعلان الرئيس أحمدي نجاد تأسيس جبهة مقاومة من فلسطين ولبنان وسورية وتركيا والعراق وايران ذات رؤية مشتركة تؤمن بحق الدفاع عن المنطقة وحقوق شعوبها هو خطوة رائدة وموفقة لكبح جماح الهيمنة الأمريكية وغطرسة اسرائيل.
Iran imposes no threat to region, sanctions in our favor: Shehabi
Tuesday,19 October 2010
By : Jameel W. Karaki
KUWAIT: The Charge Affairs of the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait, Sayyed Shehabi, stressed that Iran imposes no threat to the region, and that Kuwait and Iran can work together to cement security and stability within the region. He surprisingly noted that the economic sanctions imposed on Iran have a positive effect in the Iranian economy. The previous were statements made exclusively to Al Watan at the Iranian Embassy. Below are excerpts of that interview:
How do you view the bilateral relations between Iran and Kuwait?
Shehabi: The bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries go back several centuries. The Iranian people in Kuwait played a major role in establishing Kuwait, which led to inter-marriages and other forms of social bonding. The trading between Kuwaiti ports and Bushehr and Bandar-e-Abbas are the bedrock of the relations between the two.
Iran was one of the first countries that recognized Kuwait after it gained its independence and opened an embassy in Kuwait in 1962, where we will celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Kuwaiti-Iranian diplomatic relationships.
Iran's supportive steps towards Kuwait and its rejection of the Iraqi invasion (in 1990) had a profound effect in reinforcing the relationships between the two countries in all fields. This was further underscored by the visit of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Kuwait in February 2006, where he held talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah concerning the means required to strengthen the relationships and cooperation.
The geostrategic location of Kuwait and its current heading of the GCC council, on the one hand, and Iran's regional influence on the other, led to the prosperity of the bilateral relations. This has become a model for other countries, especially since both countries share the same challenges and visions.
How do you respond to claims that Iran is a threat to the security of the region?
Shehabi: Iran does not impose any threat to neighboring countries but acts as a preventative shield to protect countries from numerous threats.
Iran's war against drug cartels, war lords, and alcohol dealers has cost it the lives of many of its men, which is a fact that neighboring countries are oblivious to. During the last 24 hours, Iranian border guards managed to thwart the attempts of drug cartels to smuggle eight tons of narcotics through a border crossing. We have always rejected any military presence from the West in the region and asked for a regional security system that guarantees security for all in the area. We also believe that the security will be achieved through talks and cooperation, particularly that the foreign military presence has not resulted in any stability.
What is the extent of the economic and commercial sanctions on the Iranian economy?
Shehabi: I cannot deny the effect that the international sanctions have on the Iranian people, but I would like to stress that those sanctions negatively impact European companies more. Imposing additional sanctions casts a dark shadow over the region that is in dire need for stability. Talks are the only means available, because sanctions have been futile historically. Iran welcomed the announcement made by the European Union's Ministers of Foreign Affairs that they will commence with negotiations mid-November, after five months of imposing sanctions.
However, oil sectors were not affected by the international sanctions, while countries that have investments harm themselves because of obeying American instructions. Sanctions are futile because the world has realized that Iran only seeks the peaceful usage of nuclear power. Iran's refusal and defiance to the American influence forces it and other major powers to try to impose their will and policies on Islamic nations. Sanctions violate the simplest integrity and justice. Washington is attempting to complicate the situation in the region through imposing sanctions on Iran, while turning a blind eye to Israel's nuclear arsenal and state terrorism that it practices against the helpless Palestinians.
Concerning our nuclear program, the experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency affirmed repetitively that it is for peaceful purposes.
The economic sanctions forced the Iranians to depend on themselves and to secure their basic requirements without having to import any commodities. The West believed that banning the exporting of gas to Iran will paralyze the Iranian economy, but their attempts are in vain.
How do you assess the visit of President Ahmadinejad to Lebanon?
Shehabi: It is beyond any doubt that the president's visit to Lebanon was very successful, where you have seen the unprecedented tumultuous reception that the president received by all political currents in Lebanon. The visit was also welcomed by the Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Syria, which highlights the pivotal role that Iran plays in the Middle East. President Ahmadinejad delivered Iran's message to Lebanon and said in Arabic that Iran will always support Lebanon. He opened the doors for unlimited cooperation between Iran and all Lebanese people, regardless of sect, religion and ethnicity. The President has warned against the tyrants who cannot tolerate unity and harmony. The calls by him to establish fronts of resistance in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, which share the same vision in defending the region and the rights of its people, is a successful step in limiting the American control and Israel's arrogance in the region.
By : Jameel W. Karaki
KUWAIT: The Charge Affairs of the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait, Sayyed Shehabi, stressed that Iran imposes no threat to the region, and that Kuwait and Iran can work together to cement security and stability within the region. He surprisingly noted that the economic sanctions imposed on Iran have a positive effect in the Iranian economy. The previous were statements made exclusively to Al Watan at the Iranian Embassy. Below are excerpts of that interview:
How do you view the bilateral relations between Iran and Kuwait?
Shehabi: The bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries go back several centuries. The Iranian people in Kuwait played a major role in establishing Kuwait, which led to inter-marriages and other forms of social bonding. The trading between Kuwaiti ports and Bushehr and Bandar-e-Abbas are the bedrock of the relations between the two.
Iran was one of the first countries that recognized Kuwait after it gained its independence and opened an embassy in Kuwait in 1962, where we will celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Kuwaiti-Iranian diplomatic relationships.
Iran's supportive steps towards Kuwait and its rejection of the Iraqi invasion (in 1990) had a profound effect in reinforcing the relationships between the two countries in all fields. This was further underscored by the visit of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Kuwait in February 2006, where he held talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah concerning the means required to strengthen the relationships and cooperation.
The geostrategic location of Kuwait and its current heading of the GCC council, on the one hand, and Iran's regional influence on the other, led to the prosperity of the bilateral relations. This has become a model for other countries, especially since both countries share the same challenges and visions.
How do you respond to claims that Iran is a threat to the security of the region?
Shehabi: Iran does not impose any threat to neighboring countries but acts as a preventative shield to protect countries from numerous threats.
Iran's war against drug cartels, war lords, and alcohol dealers has cost it the lives of many of its men, which is a fact that neighboring countries are oblivious to. During the last 24 hours, Iranian border guards managed to thwart the attempts of drug cartels to smuggle eight tons of narcotics through a border crossing. We have always rejected any military presence from the West in the region and asked for a regional security system that guarantees security for all in the area. We also believe that the security will be achieved through talks and cooperation, particularly that the foreign military presence has not resulted in any stability.
What is the extent of the economic and commercial sanctions on the Iranian economy?
Shehabi: I cannot deny the effect that the international sanctions have on the Iranian people, but I would like to stress that those sanctions negatively impact European companies more. Imposing additional sanctions casts a dark shadow over the region that is in dire need for stability. Talks are the only means available, because sanctions have been futile historically. Iran welcomed the announcement made by the European Union's Ministers of Foreign Affairs that they will commence with negotiations mid-November, after five months of imposing sanctions.
However, oil sectors were not affected by the international sanctions, while countries that have investments harm themselves because of obeying American instructions. Sanctions are futile because the world has realized that Iran only seeks the peaceful usage of nuclear power. Iran's refusal and defiance to the American influence forces it and other major powers to try to impose their will and policies on Islamic nations. Sanctions violate the simplest integrity and justice. Washington is attempting to complicate the situation in the region through imposing sanctions on Iran, while turning a blind eye to Israel's nuclear arsenal and state terrorism that it practices against the helpless Palestinians.
Concerning our nuclear program, the experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency affirmed repetitively that it is for peaceful purposes.
The economic sanctions forced the Iranians to depend on themselves and to secure their basic requirements without having to import any commodities. The West believed that banning the exporting of gas to Iran will paralyze the Iranian economy, but their attempts are in vain.
How do you assess the visit of President Ahmadinejad to Lebanon?
Shehabi: It is beyond any doubt that the president's visit to Lebanon was very successful, where you have seen the unprecedented tumultuous reception that the president received by all political currents in Lebanon. The visit was also welcomed by the Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Syria, which highlights the pivotal role that Iran plays in the Middle East. President Ahmadinejad delivered Iran's message to Lebanon and said in Arabic that Iran will always support Lebanon. He opened the doors for unlimited cooperation between Iran and all Lebanese people, regardless of sect, religion and ethnicity. The President has warned against the tyrants who cannot tolerate unity and harmony. The calls by him to establish fronts of resistance in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, which share the same vision in defending the region and the rights of its people, is a successful step in limiting the American control and Israel's arrogance in the region.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Armenia-Kuwait relations deep, arising from support in 1990: Charchoglian
Tuesday,12 October 2010
By : Jameel W. Karaki
KUWAIT: Armenian Ambassador to Kuwait Fadey Charchoglian underscored, in an interview with Al Watan Daily, that bilateral relations between the State of Kuwait and Armenia are deep and that there is a concerted effort to sign conventions in the areas of economy, education, culture and education.
The ambassador mentioned that a delegation from Armenia is going to sign an agreement regarding an exchange program between the two countries that will allow students from both sides to be involved. Speaking on relations with its neighbors, the ambassador said that there are no relations between Armenia and Turkey or Azerbaijan. However, he noted that Armenia continues to work on the peace efforts in order to improve relations with both nations within the framework of international laws and resolutions.
The following is excerpts of the interview:
How do you describe the bilateral relationship between Kuwait and Armenia?
Fadey Charchoglian: All the ministers and officials I have met so far have welcomed me, and I have found among them a desire to sign a number of bilateral agreements. We look forward to seeing the flag of Kuwait in Armenia when the Kuwaiti embassy opens to develop the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Kuwait and Armenia are great examples of a partnership in the international realm. During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the Republic of Armenia took a clear political position, demanding the restoration of Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to ensure its independence at the same time.
What sectors in Armenia are open to foreign investment?
Charchoglian: Armenia today has stable and sustainable economic development policies and it presents itself to the world as a reliable partner. Armenia works to attract foreign direct investments in many industries such as the IT sector, electronics, mining, chemicals, tourism, food and beverages, textiles and clothing, and jewelry and diamonds
The Armenian government guarantees secure investments for every single dollar invested by a foreign investor. As a result, many foreign investors and delegations have visited Armenia and shown interest in investing.
Minister of Finance Mustafa Al-Shamali visited Armenia recently, where we signed an agreement to promote investments between the two countries. Currently we are preparing an agreement in the field of technical and economic cooperation, hopefully to be signed this year.
I conducted many meetings with officials from the Public Authority for Investment (PAI) and the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Economic and trade cooperation will be built on solid and strong foundations and, such a step will pave the way for deeper relations between the two countries.
What about cooperation in the education field?
Charchoglian: I had a meeting with the president of Kuwait University and we are waiting for a delegation from Armenia to sign an agreement regarding an exchange program between the two countries that allows students from both sides to be involved. In addition, Kuwait University showed interest in cooperating with us. Armenia has a strong Oriental Studies faculty and we are ready to receive Kuwaiti students in our universities.
Are there any visits planned by the officials of the two countries?
Charchoglian: We invited His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to Armenia since all Armenians love the Amir; he is a well-known figure and we are looking forward to his visit. In my opinion, I believe that this visit will develop the bilateral relationships between the countries and we hope to see the Kuwaiti flag on our land.
How is Armenia handling disputes with its neighboring countries? What is the goal of your foreign policy?
Charchoglian: I do not want to focus on the political problems between Armenia and neighboring countries, however, there are no relations between Armenia and Turkey or Azerbaijan. We recently signed a protocol with Turkey to open the common borders and to establish diplomatic relations without preconditions. However, the Turkish Parliament has not ratified it, after which the Armenian Parliament suspended the ratification of this protocol, and now we are waiting for the decision of the Turkish side to push forward the process.
The foreign policy of the Republic of Armenia aims to achieve peace and security among nations and to maintain balanced relationships with all countries based on mutual respect within the framework of international society. In addition, the foreign policy of Armenia encourages tolerance and the dialogue of civilizations. Armenia is keen to make every effort to be among the countries contributing to the achievement of world peace and security, regionally and internationally
In addition, Armenia has always exercised a policy of peace, seeking the establishment of peaceful relations with neighboring countries, and we do not seek to invalidate cooperation protocol with Turkey. However, we are waiting for the final decision by the Turkish Parliament in this regard.
As for Azerbaijan, the dispute relates to the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh between the two countries. I confirm that Armenia seeks and will continue to seek to resolve the existing problems with neighboring countries in the future by peaceful means within the framework of international laws and resolutions. The peace process is going on within the framework of OSCE Minsk group proposed by the three Co-chairs of the Minsk Group - France, the Russian Federation and the United States
Friday, October 8, 2010
Disillusioned voices crying out in peace talks
Friday,08 October 2010
By : Jameel W. Karaki
I still reminisce those glorious days when I was a sprightly young lad with a flowing mane of blonde hair (all tied up in a neat ponytail) and used to hear and read in the media about ongoing peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israel under the auspicious blessings of the American authorities. It's unfortunate that we still hear and read about these so-called peace talks - don't we?
This universal farce called the peace negotiations that have been played time and again by the so many actors and actresses under the direction of the US through the international media still seem to be ongoing! The key player in this imbroglio is the chief Palestinian negotiator and diplomat.
Here we have a negotiator in our midst - who enjoys brandishing his internationally branded designer wardrobe bought through his various visits to the US State department and Arab countries in addition to obtaining countless financial advantages to the extent that if you ever gain access to his economic and financial statuses, you'd be under the impression that he is an influential Scandinavian citizen.
Shaking hands with the enemy seems to be a rightful recognition of his very existence, and this is truly evident in the fact whenever President Mahmud Abbas is pictured - not only shaking hands with the Israeli enemy, but in also fighting against the Hamas who has been elected and chosen by the Palestinian people under the capable patronage of the former American president Jimmy Carter who was monitoring the elections there.
Sometimes, I really wonder what this total submission to the commands set by Israel is all about despite bearing in mind the fact that the establishment of a Palestinian state should not, in any way, be an intended target that is preceded by the liberation of this land. Moreover, why should it be turned into a bargaining chip in exchange for land that rightfully belongs to the people or compromise on the fundamental rights and principles of those people?
The initiatives of the peace talks first overlooked the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and then subsequently refuted the rights of reinstating the refugees in their own homes, lands, towns and villages, from which they were brutally expelled through the gory massacres in 1948. And then, through initiating so-called "alternative solutions" they called for finding "a just solution to the refugee issue." It is highly debatable and reproachable that those in power repeatedly use the slogan "in reaching a just solution" while the slogan should actually be "right to return," which seems more appropriate given the said circumstances.
The second key player in the negotiations is Israel, which is a deliberately planted racist terrorist state that does not seem to pay any attention to international laws. It flagrantly continues to rebuild one settlement after another under the encouraging blessings of the US. Their atrocious activities in killing innocent children, women and elderly Palestinians continue unabated despite international condemnations.
Using sophisticated American weapons, it swats the lives of innocent people like flies and as a reward for their inhumane massacres; the American government blatantly upholds its support for Israel. We have yet to ascertain whether US President Barack Obama actually intends to stop supporting these atrocities. The president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, can barely manage to garner enough support to have a health bill passed in favor of his own people so one can well imagine what kind of power he actually wields in guaranteeing any substantial progress concerning the peace process.
The US recently slammed a UN probe into Israel's storming of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, urging the Human Rights Council to prevent the report from being used to torpedo the ongoing peace talks. What if other nations had followed the same path in supporting the cause of Palestine or even Iran? Wouldn't that move be slammed as supporting terrorism and going against the tenets of American foreign polices?
Those Palestinians who believe in such empty negotiations as a being a "true path' in the establishment of their state, are living in a disillusioned reality and their fragile hopes translate into mere stupidity itself. Just take a single glance at the map of Palestine printed before 1948 and an existing one. You will surely notice that the Palestinian landmass (whatever little is left of it) is shrinking by the second and a day will surely dawn on us when these elegant Palestinian negotiators are relegated to crawling down on their knees - begging the Americans to permit them to move freely inside their own cluttered bed rooms; simply because at that given point of time, their homes will be located in a land called just Israeli.
Mahmoud Abbas seems to rush to Washington DC at the drop of a hat - behaving as if he is the legitimate president of the Palestinian people, without consulting the other Palestinian parties or even his own people. He has also, time and again, blatantly overlooked the fact that he could have used Hamas and its operations in Israel as proxy to gain their unified demands. However with the existence of an absolute and unwavering American support to Israel, the American government no longer seems to be a neutral party to either side.
The only solution to end this never-ending dilemma is to resort to an armed struggle and creating an effective lobby in the US to reduce the magnitude of American aid to Israel. What is not required at this point of time are useless summits that are organized for the sake of issuing ineffective press statements and splashing photographs across local and international newspapers.
Furthermore, it is impossible to achieve a two-state solution bearing in mind that Israel is a racist Zionist country down to its roots. I sincerely hope the American and Arab leaders realize this underlying fact, and work accordingly towards realizing the secularization of Israel.
Finally, if the Palestinians insist on engaging in unfeasible negotiations without realizing the immunization of the "right to return" and demanding due compensations from Israel, I advise them to stop their wasted efforts and engage themselves in holding fruitful talks with the Israeli government in becoming an integral part of the State of Israel itself.
In that way, they can finally bid farewell to their quest of regaining their own homeland. What is paradoxical about the entire issue is: "Doesn't the current Palestinian authority go to extremes to ensure the overall safety and security of the Israeli people more than its own people?
Now although my flowing blonde locks have thinned considerably and I am almost going bald, I am nonetheless older and wiser. But even now, I can safely state that negotiations under the current situations and conditions can bring about peace in the region. The recent visits of George John Mitchell, Special Envoy for the Middle East peace process and discouraging the continued construction of settlements by the Zionists can truly realize a lasting peace process for both sides, if taken seriously
http://alwatandaily.kuwait.tt/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=92838&dt=Fri+Oct+8+03%3A53%3A24+UTC+0300+2010
By : Jameel W. Karaki
I still reminisce those glorious days when I was a sprightly young lad with a flowing mane of blonde hair (all tied up in a neat ponytail) and used to hear and read in the media about ongoing peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israel under the auspicious blessings of the American authorities. It's unfortunate that we still hear and read about these so-called peace talks - don't we?
This universal farce called the peace negotiations that have been played time and again by the so many actors and actresses under the direction of the US through the international media still seem to be ongoing! The key player in this imbroglio is the chief Palestinian negotiator and diplomat.
Here we have a negotiator in our midst - who enjoys brandishing his internationally branded designer wardrobe bought through his various visits to the US State department and Arab countries in addition to obtaining countless financial advantages to the extent that if you ever gain access to his economic and financial statuses, you'd be under the impression that he is an influential Scandinavian citizen.
Shaking hands with the enemy seems to be a rightful recognition of his very existence, and this is truly evident in the fact whenever President Mahmud Abbas is pictured - not only shaking hands with the Israeli enemy, but in also fighting against the Hamas who has been elected and chosen by the Palestinian people under the capable patronage of the former American president Jimmy Carter who was monitoring the elections there.
Sometimes, I really wonder what this total submission to the commands set by Israel is all about despite bearing in mind the fact that the establishment of a Palestinian state should not, in any way, be an intended target that is preceded by the liberation of this land. Moreover, why should it be turned into a bargaining chip in exchange for land that rightfully belongs to the people or compromise on the fundamental rights and principles of those people?
The initiatives of the peace talks first overlooked the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and then subsequently refuted the rights of reinstating the refugees in their own homes, lands, towns and villages, from which they were brutally expelled through the gory massacres in 1948. And then, through initiating so-called "alternative solutions" they called for finding "a just solution to the refugee issue." It is highly debatable and reproachable that those in power repeatedly use the slogan "in reaching a just solution" while the slogan should actually be "right to return," which seems more appropriate given the said circumstances.
The second key player in the negotiations is Israel, which is a deliberately planted racist terrorist state that does not seem to pay any attention to international laws. It flagrantly continues to rebuild one settlement after another under the encouraging blessings of the US. Their atrocious activities in killing innocent children, women and elderly Palestinians continue unabated despite international condemnations.
Using sophisticated American weapons, it swats the lives of innocent people like flies and as a reward for their inhumane massacres; the American government blatantly upholds its support for Israel. We have yet to ascertain whether US President Barack Obama actually intends to stop supporting these atrocities. The president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, can barely manage to garner enough support to have a health bill passed in favor of his own people so one can well imagine what kind of power he actually wields in guaranteeing any substantial progress concerning the peace process.
The US recently slammed a UN probe into Israel's storming of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, urging the Human Rights Council to prevent the report from being used to torpedo the ongoing peace talks. What if other nations had followed the same path in supporting the cause of Palestine or even Iran? Wouldn't that move be slammed as supporting terrorism and going against the tenets of American foreign polices?
Those Palestinians who believe in such empty negotiations as a being a "true path' in the establishment of their state, are living in a disillusioned reality and their fragile hopes translate into mere stupidity itself. Just take a single glance at the map of Palestine printed before 1948 and an existing one. You will surely notice that the Palestinian landmass (whatever little is left of it) is shrinking by the second and a day will surely dawn on us when these elegant Palestinian negotiators are relegated to crawling down on their knees - begging the Americans to permit them to move freely inside their own cluttered bed rooms; simply because at that given point of time, their homes will be located in a land called just Israeli.
Mahmoud Abbas seems to rush to Washington DC at the drop of a hat - behaving as if he is the legitimate president of the Palestinian people, without consulting the other Palestinian parties or even his own people. He has also, time and again, blatantly overlooked the fact that he could have used Hamas and its operations in Israel as proxy to gain their unified demands. However with the existence of an absolute and unwavering American support to Israel, the American government no longer seems to be a neutral party to either side.
The only solution to end this never-ending dilemma is to resort to an armed struggle and creating an effective lobby in the US to reduce the magnitude of American aid to Israel. What is not required at this point of time are useless summits that are organized for the sake of issuing ineffective press statements and splashing photographs across local and international newspapers.
Furthermore, it is impossible to achieve a two-state solution bearing in mind that Israel is a racist Zionist country down to its roots. I sincerely hope the American and Arab leaders realize this underlying fact, and work accordingly towards realizing the secularization of Israel.
Finally, if the Palestinians insist on engaging in unfeasible negotiations without realizing the immunization of the "right to return" and demanding due compensations from Israel, I advise them to stop their wasted efforts and engage themselves in holding fruitful talks with the Israeli government in becoming an integral part of the State of Israel itself.
In that way, they can finally bid farewell to their quest of regaining their own homeland. What is paradoxical about the entire issue is: "Doesn't the current Palestinian authority go to extremes to ensure the overall safety and security of the Israeli people more than its own people?
Now although my flowing blonde locks have thinned considerably and I am almost going bald, I am nonetheless older and wiser. But even now, I can safely state that negotiations under the current situations and conditions can bring about peace in the region. The recent visits of George John Mitchell, Special Envoy for the Middle East peace process and discouraging the continued construction of settlements by the Zionists can truly realize a lasting peace process for both sides, if taken seriously
http://alwatandaily.kuwait.tt/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=92838&dt=Fri+Oct+8+03%3A53%3A24+UTC+0300+2010
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