U.S. Names ex-Minister Samaha 'Global Terrorist'
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
The United States on Monday named former information minister Michel Samaha a "specially designated global terrorist" for allegedly aiding the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad to launch attacks in Lebanon.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a statement saying that Samaha, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13441 which targets persons "undermining Lebanese sovereignty, including those who are supporting attempts by the Assad regime to incite violence inside Lebanon", is now a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under E.O. 13224.
Samaha, was arrested on August 9 by Lebanese authorities and accused of plotting to assassinate leaders and of transporting explosives into the country for such attacks, the U.S. Treasury said.
"The United States will continue to expose any attempts by the Assad regime to meddle in the affairs of its neighbors and further destabilize the region," said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen.
"We will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that the sovereignty of Lebanon is respected and upheld."
Samaha was officially listed as a "global terrorist" by the U.S. State Department, and the Treasury slapped economic sanctions on him that freeze any assets he holds under U.S. jurisdiction and forbids Americans from doing business with him.
The Treasury said Samaha "reportedly" received the explosives he is accused of transporting from Ali Mamluk, the head of the Syrian National Security Bureau.
"Information available to the U.S. government indicates that in July 2012 Mamluk was involved in a plot with Samaha to conduct bombing attacks against Lebanese political and religious figures in northern Lebanon, and Mamluk provided money and explosives to Samaha for that purpose," the Treasury said.
17 December 2012, 18:27
311
Hang that Farsi Syrian traitor and not waste a bullet on him...He should not be buried on Lebanese soil...his body should be sent to Damascus to be buried with his master Bachar...
17 December 2012, 18:53
00
hang all traitors and collaborators who dealt with the syrian regime during his occupation of lebanon
17 December 2012, 19:09
38
They should also name the co-conspirators in the case as terrorists too. Those who protecct the killers of Hasan should also be named. Why do the Hezz block the communications data in the Hasan case????? One can only wonder why!!
17 December 2012, 20:03
01
come on bigjohn your comment is totally irrelevant. When the guys was caught on a camera delivering bombs from Syria and his voice was recorded saying which kind of crowds he wants to bomb, there is no shadow of a doubt anymore on how guilty he is. When intelligence is so strong, government and people can consider Smaha the enemy of state and of course he has right to defend himself in court and eventually be cooperative and maybe get a life sentence for grand treason. You and Mowaten are mistaken when you use term innocent till proven guilty. When proofs are strong, and crime is so heinous, government needs no further proofs to act. In your analogy, US government show have done nothing after September 11, you wanted the all mighty USA to wait to capture Bin Laden, and him confessing and court send him to jail before they would have attacked the Taliban? Your logic is very twisted and only serves to defend the impossible
17 December 2012, 20:09
35
As much as I dislike (for the least) Samaha, the guy wasnt judged in Lebanon or by an international tribunal. And although he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar several months ago, I find this classification of him as global terrorist ( which is most likely justified ) today rather disturbing. It raises some questions.
17 December 2012, 20:10
01
your problems only will be solved within "inyourface". How long would it take us to be all looking for better future for our kids? why do you wnat to outsource future of Lebanon To Michel aoun, Amine Jemail and Nabil Berri. Why do you vote for same crap every-time? guys we all need a swift change in culture, where people stand for values not for corrupt leaders. didn't you guys had enough? why such a educated and smart individuals are such a failure and joke as one nation... why is your leader always right and other guy is a traitor? WAKE UP, only corrupt people would vote for these kind of corrupt politicians. I have a friend of mine who is seriously wishing that would accumulate a billion dollars from corruption so he can stand to Hariri's money, is this kind of logic that build our country?
17 December 2012, 20:21
33
The last concern of the US is Lebanon. Israel is their prime interest. When Bashar was butchering and raping and stealing the Lebanese, he was their favorite. When Saddam was standing against Iran, he was their favorite. Then at the end, all the real and true love, showed its true color. Anytime the US says they are concerned about Lebanon, meaning don't be surprised if a disaster happens, because we are planning one.
17 December 2012, 20:30
33
"What Samaha did or did not do...he is innocent unless proven guilty IN LEBANON.
same concept applies to sakr i guess!
17 December 2012, 20:30
12
"What Samaha did or did not do...he is innocent unless proven guilty IN LEBANON.
same concept applies to sakr i guess!
17 December 2012, 20:34
01
really? what a good news! are you going to tell israel to stop violating our airspace and operating a network of spies and agents in lebanon?
your concerned about israel Violating our airspace ya mouwateh ??
But you do not mind defending a regime that slaughtered thousands of lebanese?Ma fhemneha hayde Faserlna.
18 December 2012, 02:30
41
Well then, Obama and every past US president should be labeled as global terrorists due to the fact the Americans are responsible for many murders outside its borders and meddling in every country in the world. Americans have a legal team of executionists CIA!!
18 December 2012, 04:31
13
Assassinations have always been carried out with impunity in Lebanon; and always without culprits. The Samaha case is a rare one whereby a murderer is apprehended, and best of all before he can perpetrate the crime! The response to this rare victory for Lebanese justice: the murder of Wissam Al-Hassan. Samaha should be prosecuted with the full weight of Lebanese law. If outside forces view him as a useful tool (Syria) or as a terrorist(US)is inconsequential.
