A controversial visit to Lebanon by Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, planned at least two months ago, is to take place in the following two days, on 13 and 14 October 2010. There has been much protest by the US as well as Lebanon's ruling majority against, what they call a "provocative visit". I just received an email from the British Vice Consul in Beirut, with information on the Iranian President's agenda, here it is:
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Dear AllPlease be informed that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be holding an official visit to Lebanon on 13-14 October 2010. He will land at Beirut Airport on 13 October 2010 and depart on 14 October 2010 ( Exact time is not revealed yet).
It has been reported that the first day, on 13 October 2010, he will have separate official meetings in Beirut with the President, the Parliament Speaker and the Prime Minister, and visit South Beirut Suburbs. On the second day, 14 October 2010, President Ahmedinejad will travel to South of Lebanon to visit the villages of Qana and Bint Jbeil which suffered deadly Israeli raids in 1996 and 2006. He is also due to inaugurate a tourist park named Iran Garden in the nearby village of Marun al-Ras which was funded by Iran. A visit to the war museum built by Hezbollah in the town of Mlila is also likely reported on President's program.
The President and his delegation will be accommodated at the Metropolitan Hotel. The official movements from Beirut to South are reportedly announced by road. Iranian President will be accompanied by Lebanese President on his visit to South Lebanon.
All security measures during the Presidential visit will be taken by LAF and the Presidential Guards battalion.
Public demonstrations, and traffic disruption and strong security measures are expected in a number of areas on both days.
Large supportive demonstrations and gathering even peaceful can turn violent in case of security incidents which cannot be excluded.
Kind regards
British Vice Consul
Beirut
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Hizbullah deputy Leader, Naim Qassem, said recently that Ahmedinejad's arrival in Beirut "voices Lebanon's sovereignty. It is an expression of friendship and support to Lebanon as a resistance, army, people and institutions".
The Iranian President has recently stressed his financial support to arm Lebanon's army (after the US delayed its own funding), something most probably to be discussed during his visit.
The US Embassy in Beirut warned its citizens not to attend rallies featuring the controversial leader. The US State Department recently conducted a routine update of its travel advice for citizens in or thinking of travelling to Lebanon: "The Department of State continues to urge US citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon due to current safety and security concerns. US citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks", said the travel warning, issued Friday.
It will be interesting to see what will be the outcome of this much anticipated Presidential visit... In addition to Beirut roads congestion, frustrated commuters and deafening helicopters hovering over the city's skyline for two days...
