WASHINGTON, DC: May 21, 2006
The
World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) held its 15th World
Congress in Washington, DC from May 17 to May 21 2006. Former President
Sheikh Sami El Khoury, Senate President Mr. Joe Baini, and Representatives
from Australia, North America, South America, and Europe attended this
event.
The meeting commenced with a summary of the investigative committee report
on the events that occurred in Sydney, Australia during the May 2005
elections. This report was compiled at the insistence of the Senate, to
ensure that the WLCU functioned according to its constitution and bylaws.
The findings were presented, approved, and entered into the record. A new
board was then elected to ensure the continued work of the diaspora
towards the preservation of the Lebanese identity and the protection of
Lebanon’s sovereignty.
This board consisted of:
1-
Dr. Anis Karam – President
2-
Mr. Michel Doueihi – First Vice
President - Australia
3-
Mr. Tom Harb – Vice President –
North America, and President of Commission on Foreign Affairs
4-
Mr. Farid Khair – Vice
President - Brazil
5-
Mr. Rachid Rahme – Vice
President - Europe
6-
Mr. Fadi Bark –Secretary
General
7-
Mr. Tony Yaacoub – Deputy
Secretary General
In
addition, the World Council formed a Committee that would be responsible
for conducting open negotiations with other WLCU members in the hope of
bridging the obvious rift/division between the parties and in turn unite
its members to ensure continued work for Lebanon. Mr. Michel Doueihi was
voted by the World Council to chair this committee. The negotiations
parameters were set as follows:
a-
Total support for the full
implementation of UNSCR1559, and 1680.
b-
Border delineation between
Lebanon and Syria.
c-
Full support for diplomatic
representation between Lebanon and Syria.
d-
Full support for Cultural
programs for the diaspora.
e-
After agreement, set a date for
a World Congress for unification.
Other
Items/Discussions:
1-
Mr. Tony Arida, past President
of WLCU GRC Australia and New Zealand, sent a letter of support and
several recommendations. This letter was presented and entered into the
record.
2-
Mr. Philip Rizk proposed the
assignment of one delegate, into the regional and world council, for every
30 financial members. This was unanimously opposed. The letter was
entered into the record.
3-
Several amendments were
presented and voted upon:
a-
The position of WLCU Senate
President to be elected rather than appointed.
b-
The right of Brazil to have one
third of the total votes replaced with chapter representation as with the
rest of the world.
c-
The WLCU has the right to
organize public interest and international relations activities at any
time its executives shall deem that Lebanon Sovereignty, independence,
democratic freedoms, and Human rights violations are under threat from any
foreign source.
d-
Chapter presidents may be
re-elected for consecutive terms in accordance with their respective
constitutions.
4-
Re-create the Council on
Foreign Affair
Meetings at the Congress, the Pentagon, and the State Department:
On May
18 and 19 of 2006, the World Council had several meetings with high level
officials in Congress, the Pentagon, and the State department to discuss
and evaluate the dangerous conditions in Lebanon, its sovereignty, and
freedom. A full evaluation and recommendations were discussed relative to
the implementation of UNSCR 1559.
Meetings at the United Nations:
On May
22 2006, the World Council had their first meeting of the day with UN
Secretary General’s special envoy for the implementation of UNSCR 1559,
Ambassador Terje Roed-Larsen and his assistant. Discussions included the
violations on the Lebanese Syrian border, human rights violations, and how
to move forward toward the full implementation of UNSCR 1559. Additional
meetings took place with ambassadors of the United States, British,
French, and Lebanese missions at the United Nations.
Anis B. Karam Fadi Bark
President Secretary General |
