Word: aminations
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...cease-fire will be monitored by "neutral observers"; 2) a Lebanese "security committee" will decide on a permanent force to patrol the Chouf Mountains; and 3) most important, Lebanon's major groups will be called together for a conference of national reconciliation. In addition to President Amin Gemayel, the dozen invitees include Camille Chamoun, head of the Christian Lebanese Front; Pierre Gemayel, the President's father and founder of the right-wing Christian Phalange; the leaders of the Syrian-backed National Salvation Front (including Druze Chieftain Walid Jumblatt); Nabih Berri of the Amal Shi'ite militia...
There are many warring factions, many political and military chieftains. The Christian military forces of President Amin Gemayel represent the parliament and national government and control only the territory of East and West Beirut and the airport, thanks in large part to the presence of the Marines, the French and the Italians. Gemayel's father. Pierie, is the commander of the predominantly Christian Phlange militia and his forces control a strip of land that runs about forty miles from Beirut to the Bekaa Valley. There is little trust between father...
...Amin reminisces about his time as a militia leader, when he was wounded three times. But he quickly drops the subject, turning instead to the future: "Maybe we have to renew our national system to take into account our pluralism. Instead of dividing, it can unite. I am ambitious about this goal. I think that I will be able to find the right formula. This is the raison d'être of Lebanon, isn't it? To create this important laboratory for the region. How can you bring Muslims and Jews together in the Middle East...
...Amin was warming to his subject and moved to the edge of the sofa. "You have to know something. People here are attached to a liberal system. This is our national feeling, our genuine feeling. Right now, in Lebanon, Syrians are taking political hostages. You are obliged to collaborate, go underground or leave. Some 'emigrate to the other world' [a grim allusion to assassination]. Foreign intervention in Lebanon is the main problem for the U.S. here. People will back the government that backs a liberal system. We are sincere and genuine in saying that we are talking about...
...talk is interrupted by an important telephone call. Amin answers and listens glumly. Haddad is at the other end of the room on an extension. He too is expressionless. The shells are still exploding outside as the President finally excuses himself, moving to the door with an almost boyish gait. It is midnight, but there is still work...