Introduction to the evening news 18-05-2012

One week has passed since the beginning of the incidents in Tripoli, with indicators showing that these events will last one more week full of developments concerning Shadi al-Mawlawi who is still detained. The judiciary will issue a final decision regarding Mawlawi’s release next Tuesday.      

Besides Tripoli events, Syria has launched a diplomatic attack at the UN on Lebanese regions and groups: this attack is a seven-page letter addressed by Syrian envoy to the UN in New York to the UN Secretary General. The letter includes four points; the first says that some Lebanese regions near the Syrian borders became a harbor for terrorists belonging to Al-Qaeda and Muslim Brotherhood.      

The letter mentions that some information are documented and came from sources such as the Lebanese Army Intelligence, competent Lebanese authorities and Second Lebanese Land Border Regiment.         

The report directly accuses the Future Movement and Salafist groups, saying that the headquarters of charity associations sponsored by these two groups became a harbor for receiving and sheltering terrorist elements belonging to Al-Qaeda and Muslim brotherhood.         

The report also mentions that Riyad al-Asaad arrived recently to Lebanon to prepare for the establishment of a Syrian buffer.       

The letter was delivered to Ban Ki Moon few hours ago. What will be Lebanon’s reaction to such letter? Is there any Lebanese comment?      

In a phone call, Lebanese envoy to the UN Nawaf Salam refused to comment.       

On the other hand, a top military source confirmed, in a statement to LBCI, that the leadership is reviewing the letter and all its content, noting that some of the mentioned names might not be in Lebanon. He expressed his surprise towards information saying that there are ships unloading weapons on the Lebanese coast.

For its part, the Future Movement considered, in a statement, that Jaafari is trying to export the crisis of his country to Lebanon.