The World Council of
the Cedars RevolutionRepresenting the hopes and aspirations of many millions of
Lebanese throughout the Diaspora
www.cedarsrevolution.org
cedarsrevolution@gmail.com
PRESS RELEASE
To: Lee Hamilton and Michael Van Dusen,
C/O Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Washington Bureau, Thursday 26th of April 2007
Ref. Hezbollah allies invited to The Woodrow Wilson International Center for
Scholars at the Lecture: Whither the Cedar Revolution,
Monday, April 30 2007, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
It is with utmost concern that we bring to your attention the invitation to the
Woodrow Wilson Center of Lebanese Politicians connected with the Terror Group
Hezbollah.
It is our understanding that The Woodrow Wilson International Center for
Scholars has invited, this coming Monday April 30, 2007, members of the Lebanese
Parliament for a presentation on the Cedar Revolution. Unfortunately, those
named: Ibrahim Kenaan and Ghassan Moukheiber, do not represent the Cedar
Revolution and are members of the so-called Reform and Change parliamentary
bloc, headed by MP Michel Aoun who has officially signed a memorandum of
understanding with and lists Hezbollah as their closest Ally.
Hezbollah is on the State Departments list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
We urge all involved to disallow any opportunity to misrepresent the the Cedar
Revolution by anyone connected with terror groups. An American Center promoting
Democracy should never serve as the platform for pro-Terrorist groups.
We reject the fact that Think Tanks in the US would become a Public Relations
tool to further the propaganda of Terrorists overseas. This undoubtedly will
send a message that would confuse the supporters of the Cedar Revolution and the
Civil Society in general in Lebanon.
US policy clearly forbids supporting the terrorists and those that support the
terrorists. And as the leadership of both parties, Democrats and Republicans
wisely co-signed the Syria accountability act in 2004; there is an American
consensus on opposing Hezbollah's Terror and propaganda.
Thomas Woodrow Wilson, the namesake of this esteemed think-tank, in his
leadership to resolve the First World War introduced the Fourteen Points Address
of 1918 calling for, among other things, autonomous development. Unfortunately,
the Majority in Lebanon, who do represent the Cedar Revolution, are not able to
develop autonomously because of vicious Syrian and Iranian interference. Lebanon
is yearning for any and all democratic centers, such as your esteemed center, to
come out in full support of people who will use your venue for true
representation of democratic reform, and not for furthering foreign hegemony of
power in the region. This is explicitly why Secretary Condoleezza Rice, who is
an esteemed public member of your center, stated that you can not have one foot
in terror and one foot in the democratic process.
Lebanon's first need today is to pursue autonomous development free from
intimidation from terrorists and their state sponsors. The intimidation of the
Lebanese today, by the opposition and its closest ally Hezbollah, who is being
armed, sponsored and funded by foreign the powers Iran and Syria, outside the
auspices of the democratically elected government of Lebanon, is in direct
conflict with democratic reform.
Clearly, Ibrahim Kenaan and Ghassan Moukheiber, because of their party's
affiliation with an arch-terrorist organization Hezbollah, do not merit an
invitation to the Woodrow Wilson Center. Their invitation should therefore be
withdrawn as it is not in the interest of Democracy in the Region and especially
not in the interest of the United States.
We assume that the Center in general, its members, donors both public and
private do not wish to be associated with an invitation to two politicians
associated with a Terrorist group overseas.
For, and on the Behalf of the World Council for the Cedars Revolution.
John Hajjar, US Director
Eblan Farris, Director of Information
Tom Harb, Secretary General
World Council for the Cedars Revolution
WWW: www.cedarsrevolution.net
Email: Cedarsrevolution@gmail.com
WashDC # 202-657-5961