Kandil accuses Siniora of sending water to Israel via Cyprus, a decision equal to war-and-peace
March 10, 2008

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=34079

Former MP Nasser Kandil accused Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora of planning to send water to Israel through Cyprus.

Last week, drought-ridden Cyprus announced it was examining the feasibility of shipping large quantities of water from Lebanon, with a final decision expected within 10 days.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Cyprus said Lebanon was willing to give Cyprus large quantities of water free of charge.

Siniora, Kandil said, was attempting a "new version of poison" against the Lebanese people and the Arab public opinion "under the title of water to Cyprus."

"The Lebanese will not allow him (Siniora) to pass agreements under the table with Israel and tamper with Lebanon's fate," Kandil said.

He noted that Israeli had signed an agreement to receive 300 thousand cubic meters of water daily from Turkey. This agreement was annulled in the July War due to Turkey's desire to reconcile with Syria and Iran over a common wish to preserve Iraq, Kandil added.

"Now there is an understanding between Terje Roed Larsen and Fouad Siniora that Lebanon will supply 300 thousand cubic meters to Israel through Cyprus, while we are thirsty, in search of a single drop," the former MP commented. He said the agreement was a five-year ordeal.

Kandil warned the Siniora government that a decision of this magnitude was equal to the decision of war-and-peace. "What Israel could not steal from the Wazzani, Hasbani, and Litani (rivers) Siniora will give to them through Cyprus."

-NOW Staff