Word: gemayel
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...face of such concerted Syrian opposition, President Gemayel urged Secretary of State Shultz to return to the Middle East immediately for a round of face-to-face talks with Syrian President Assad. But Shultz took the position that some time would have to pass before the Syrians would be prepared to negotiate in earnest. In the meantime, U.S. diplomats emphasized that they did not consider the latest Syrian rebuffs "a final closing of the door." They noted that only two Arab states, Libya and South Yemen, have joined Syria in denouncing the agreement, while Egypt and Algeria have expressed their...
...aptly symbolic. In the Khalde ceremony, Lebanese Negotiator Antoine Fattal held his chin in knit fingers, and his eyes were downcast. He applauded politely but without enthusiasm when his Israeli counterpart, David Kimche, made a brief speech praising the agreement that was about to be signed. Lebanese President Amin Gemayel summed up his countrymen's attitude when he later declared, "Lebanon is not holding celebrations today. Lebanon's real feast will come on the day the external forces leave our territory...
...Lebanese were taking such talk seriously. As an aide to President Gemayel said, "We cannot dismiss the possibility that at some point the Syrians could declare Lebanon's existence null and void [as they] annex the areas of Lebanon that are under their control." What is certain is that the Syrians are already trying to influence Lebanese politics by exerting pressure on a variety of factions within the beleaguered country to oppose the agreement. Last week a meeting of those factions was held in the northern Lebanese town of Zgharta...
...Lebanese also compromised by agreeing to create a special brigade in the south in which Haddad's men would continue to serve. Gemayel's government concurred with the Israelis that United Nations peace-keeping forces should remain just outside the area, although they will occasionally be allowed to inspect the Palestinian refugee camps near the border. The two countries will open liaison offices in each other's capitals, a prospect that does not gladden Lebanese officials. Although the Israeli office in Beirut would not have diplomatic status, Gemayel's aides fear that other Arab countries will...
Shultz conducted the talks on two levels, nitpicking with the Israeli and Lebanese negotiating teams, but also spending long hours with Begin and Gemayel, often over a meal. He displayed a talent for shaping issues in ways that were accepted by both sides. Observed an aide: "He has a terrific ability, like a chemist, to break down problems, then provide the catalyst and recompose the elements in a different way." He repeatedly indicated that an agreement was imminent, sometimes to the chagrin of his hosts. When asked why his assessments of the talks were always gloomier than the Secretary...