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Kofi Annan is Welcomed to Dhayiya. Monday August 28th.

GS | 29.08.2006 17:33 | Lebanon War 2006

Today after what seemed to be little more than symbolic press conference (no questions allowed) with the Lebanese political aristocracy. The head of the UN went to South Beirut. Don’t get me wrong I’m sure Kofi Annan is a nice bloke with his heart in the right place. I have also seen loads of practical UN aid being distributed across the war torn areas of Lebanon. The Israelis hate them; of this there is no doubt. They even deliberately murdered four of their soldiers in an observation post at the beginning of the war. However the UN has yet again proved to be powerless. The feeling on the ground here is that it was the Israelis entrenched in an unwinable ground war that forced the ceasefire. The UN as usual was forced to tow the line of America. (See- Bosnia/Rwanda/Iraq for further reading.) So, whose idea was it to bring Mr Annan to Dhayiya? An area that was bombed solidly for 33 days while the worlds leaders could not even call for an immediate ceasefire. The people of Dhayiya gave them the welcome they deserved.

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A fire engine sprays the ground due to be walked by Mr Annan before he arrives, lest he gets a speck of dust in his eye. I have to say that I find the sight of Beirut’s brave firefighters doing this quite offensive. These were the men and women who gave their lives during the war. Their resources could never cope with the Israeli onslaught yet they performed above and beyond the call of duty. Now they are demeaned to laying a watery carpet for the person who failed to protect them and their country.

A crowd has gathered around the cordoned area by the time the convoy arrives. Mr Annan emerges from his limo with the Lebanese Prime Minister. In a split second there is a deafening chorus of booing and hundreds of Hassan Nassrallah placards appear. The level of organization in this area is awesome. Within seconds the entourage and its security are surrounded by 2-300 angry, yet disciplined demonstrators chanting and waving placards. The delegation is now surrounded by a backdrop of resistance banners and slogans. I can’t help thinking that this is not what the UN media team had in mind. The security who are composed of the UN’s special suits, Lebanese special forces and Lebanese National Security guards begin to panic. After about five seconds the walkabout has become an undignified scrum that limps, for what seems like an eternity, about 100 yards. Then it’s into their waiting vehicles to be whisked away at some considerable speed. The crowd jeers at them and give the victory sign as they leave. Nearby the aforementioned firefighters watch the proceedings with huge grins on their faces.

GS
- e-mail: guy.smallman@btinternet.com

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