 |
| Australia: The United Australian Lebanese Movement (UALM) calls for vigilance against the use of sectarian rhetoric in the wake of the media campaigns being waged against MP Michel Aoun.Al Jamhuriya newspaper recently published an alleged Wikileaks cable recounting former Justice Minister Charles Rizk reporting to then US Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman, that Aoun had made some derogatory comments in relation to Lebanon's Sunni Muslim sect.Rizk (a political opponent of Aoun) was apparently making these statements to Feltman and no proof tangible or otherwise has been able to substantiate these allegations.What is more dangerous is the media campaign being waged by Aoun's political opponents and certain religious figures associated with them. The former Army Commander and Prime Minister now an MP, leads the Free Patriotic Movement, a multi confessional secular party and Aoun's Change & Reform Parliamentary Bloc is composed of various sects.Aoun has risked his political capital within his own Christian community by coming to the defence of Lebanon's Sunni Muslims in the late 80's and Lebanon's Shiyite Muslims in 2006. His anti corruption campaign has ruffled many feathers and the UALM is dismayed that he is being fought with sectarian rhetoric.The use of sectarian rhetoric based on questionable allegations (or otherwise) in order to score political points is not only irresponsible but a violation of the Geneva Convention. The convention clearly states that "A Protected civilian must NOT be: Discriminated against because of race, religion or political opinion."The UALM hopes certain political groups and religious figures show wisdom and live up to their responsibility as civil servants seeking to build a state, not cause divisions within it.The United Australian Lebanese MovementMedia Office |
Source: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/129512933030753933.htm
Chelsea Communities Burlesque China Weekend breaks Ryan Babel
No comments:
Post a Comment