Anyone really serious about allowing Palestinians their civil rights?

"Some members of Parliament prefer that the camps explode and then they will insist that "Palestinian security problems must be resolved before Parliament can consider giving them civil rights"--meaning several more years of delay. That would be a disaster for all concerned."

"Ahmad', Resident of Al-Buss refugee camp, Tyre, Lebanon

Following some initial optimism after MP Walid Jumblatt's June 15 introduction of draft legislation that would exempt Palestinians from the Kafkaesque work permit process, grant them the right to own a home outside their oxygen scarce "sardine can' camps, and allow them to receive some worker paid earned social security benefits, progress has dramatically slowed.

During last week's Parliamentary session Head of the Administration and Justice parliamentary committee, MP Robert Ghanem, reiterated his request to Berri and Parliament for a two-month "rest period". Premier Saad Hariri called for postponing the voting for "two months or two months and a half." Several other members asked the same. Parliament Speaker Berri quickly agreed and postponed voting on the subject until August 17, adding that ""the law will not pass unless it enjoys consensus among Lebanese parties."

Next Page  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).