World Lebanese Cultural Union
Office of World President and World Secretary General
www.wlcu.org
WASHINGTON, DC: May 21, 2006
The World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) held its 15th World Congress in Washington, DC from May 17 to May 21 2006. Former President Sheikh Sami El Khoury, Senate President Mr. Joe Baini, and Representatives from Australia, North America, South America, and Europe attended this event.
The meeting commenced with a summary of the investigative committee report on the events that occurred in Sydney, Australia during the May 2005 elections. This report was compiled at the insistence of the Senate, to ensure that the WLCU functioned according to its constitution and bylaws. The findings were presented, approved, and entered into the record. A new board was then elected to ensure the continued work of the diaspora towards the preservation of the Lebanese identity and the protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
This board consisted of:
1- Dr. Anis Karam – President
2- Mr. Michel Doueihi – First Vice President - Australia
3- Mr. Tom Harb – Vice President – North America, and President of Commission on Foreign Affairs
4- Mr. Farid Khair – Vice President - Brazil
5- Mr. Rachid Rahme – Vice President - Europe
6- Mr. Fadi Bark –Secretary General
7- Mr. Tony Yaacoub – Deputy Secretary General
In addition, the World Council formed a Committee that would be responsible for conducting open negotiations with other WLCU members in the hope of bridging the obvious rift/division between the parties and in turn unite its members to ensure continued work for Lebanon. Mr. Michel Doueihi was voted by the World Council to chair this committee. The negotiations parameters were set as follows:
a- Total support for the full implementation of UNSCR1559, and 1680.
b- Border delineation between Lebanon and Syria.
c- Full support for diplomatic representation between Lebanon and Syria.
d- Full support for Cultural programs for the diaspora.
e- After agreement, set a date for a World Congress for unification.
Other Items/Discussions:
1- Mr. Tony Arida, past President of WLCU GRC Australia and New Zealand, sent a letter of support and several recommendations. This letter was presented and entered into the record.
2- Mr. Philip Rizk proposed the assignment of one delegate, into the regional and world council, for every 30 financial members. This was unanimously opposed. The letter was entered into the record.
3- Several amendments were presented and voted upon:
a- The position of WLCU Senate President to be elected rather than appointed.
b- The right of Brazil to have one third of the total votes replaced with chapter representation as with the rest of the world.
c- The WLCU has the right to organize public interest and international relations activities at any time its executives shall deem that Lebanon Sovereignty, independence, democratic freedoms, and Human rights violations are under threat from any foreign source.
d- Chapter presidents may be re-elected for consecutive terms in accordance with their respective constitutions.
4- Re-create the Council on Foreign Affair
Meetings at the Congress, the Pentagon, and the State Department:
On May 18 and 19 of 2006, the World Council had several meetings with high level officials in Congress, the Pentagon, and the State department to discuss and evaluate the dangerous conditions in Lebanon, its sovereignty, and freedom. A full evaluation and recommendations were discussed relative to the implementation of UNSCR 1559.
Meetings at the United Nations:
On May 22 2006, the World Council had their first meeting of the day with UN Secretary General’s special envoy for the implementation of UNSCR 1559, Ambassador Terje Roed-Larsen and his assistant. Discussions included the violations on the Lebanese Syrian border, human rights violations, and how to move forward toward the full implementation of UNSCR 1559. Additional meetings took place with ambassadors of the United States, British, French, and Lebanese missions at the United Nations.
Anis B. Karam -President
Fadi Bark-Secretary General