Major General Abbas Ibrahim affirmed that ‘the core issue in Lebanon lies with the parties involved in dialogue, not with the concept of dialogue itself. Often, when we engage in discussions, we hold secret intentions rather than laying a foundation for solutions. We claim to pursue dialogue while concealing hidden agendas, and thus the problem lies with those engaged in the dialogue.’
Speaking at a roundtable organized by the’ Conflict Resolution Group’ at the “Liqa’a” Center in Rabweh, he added that interfaith dialogue often takes the place of political dialogue when the latter reaches a deadlock. He further noted that “political discussions in Lebanon often fail due to the presence of bad intentions.”
The event opened with a welcome address by Dr. Doha Al-Masri, followed by introductory remarks from Brigadier General Bahaa Halal. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Kassim Kassir, and concluded with an extended dialogue between the attending academics, scientists, religious figures, and media professiona
ls, including the President of the Press Syndicate, Joseph Al-Kossayfi. The final remarks were delivered by Kamel Bkassini, Director of the ‘Liqa’a’ Center.
For the first time, during this meeting, Major General Ibrahim disclosed previously unknown details to the Lebanese public about the intense negotiations he led, which resulted in the release of the Azaz hostages on October 19, 2013.
When asked about the main obstacle hindering internal dialogue among the Lebanese, Ibrahim remarked: ‘I am convinced that there is a lack of genuine political will to elect a president. The excuses put forward for rejecting dialogue lead to this outcome. We are a people who seize opportunities to shift the balance of power.’
He added, in response to a question about the Lebanese-Syrian relationship: “I remain a firm believer in geopolitical realities, and I believe that Lebanon’s stability cannot be achieved without Syria. During the period when I facilitated various matters between the two countries, it had a positive imp
act on both Lebanon and global security, as the concerned nations understand the significance of this influence in shielding themselves from the effects of terrorism on their lands and peoples. Today, those who once severed ties with Syria are seeking ways to re-establish relations. Personally, I affirm that Lebanon will not recover if Syria remains in crisis-this is a strategic truth.’
Regarding the unresolved case of the kidnapped Aleppo bishops, Boulos Yazigi and Yohanna Ibrahim, who have been missing in Syria for 11 years, Major General Ibrahim revealed that he had made two secret trips to Moscow to pursue the matter but was unable to achieve the desired outcome.
He added: ‘During one of my negotiations in Syria, Bishop Ibrahim informed me that he could assist in this matter, as he claimed to have influence over the militants in the area where the bishops were held. However, a week later, the militants kidnapped him. These are people who cannot be trusted. I am among those who believe-and this is an opi
nion, not a fact-that the bishops were killed shortly after their abduction. Experience shows that kidnappers with a specific goal usually reveal their demands, but in this case, no one has disclosed any.’ He continued: “In my view, this case has been closed, as there are no longer any traces of the bishops, nor have any demands been made regarding them.”
When asked about the ongoing conflict in Palestine, Major General Ibrahim stated: ‘The conflict in Palestine is, in essence, a battle between deities. There is a Jewish sect that has grown up with a religious conviction that this land belongs to them, that Palestine is their homeland, and that they do not acknowledge other sects. On the other hand, there is an Islamic sect that believes this land belongs to the Palestinians and welcomes others regardless of their religion. Each side holds its own religious beliefs, and a divine force governs this ideological conflict. When a conflict becomes a struggle between deities, it becomes difficult for humans to res
olve.’
Ibrahim also voiced his concerns that ‘the ongoing failure to reach political solutions with Israel, coupled with the impossibility of accepting the two-state solution, may lead to an existential war within the next five to ten years. Those who survive will endure, as the religious and ideological dimensions of this conflict make it an irreversible reality.’
The Importance of Dialogue in Resolving Crises
In his speech titled ‘The Importance of Dialogue in Resolving Crises-Examples from My Experience,’ Major General Ibrahim stressed that Lebanon is ‘a society characterized by its pluralistic nature,’ which necessitates ‘respect for democratic values based on the right to differ.’
He explained that ‘pluralism is not a call for isolation, but rather an incentive for creative competition to achieve a better humanity.’ He further emphasized that ‘acknowledging others, refraining from coercion and domination, and striving to enhance cooperation and common ground, while upholding reason and truth without
provoking others, are essential factors in moving dialogue from theoretical concepts to practical application.’
Ibrahim added: ‘Lebanon, in both its constitution and existence, is the product of dialogue. We have embraced consensual democracy as the basis for all decisions, whether major or minor.’ He highlighted that ‘the culture of dialogue and the path of moderation are among the most defining characteristics of a modern state. These are fundamental human rights that contribute to national interest and the building of peace.’
He concluded: ‘National dialogue remains the only mechanism that can safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty, its people, and its institutions. Nations are built on solidarity and unity, and our guiding principle should always be that differing opinions do not compromise the nation’s cause.’
Chapters from the Azaz Hostages Negotiations
During the meeting, Major General Ibrahim recounted the details of the negotiations that led to the release of the Azaz hostages-the eleven Lebanese pilgri
ms kidnapped by an armed group calling itself ‘The Storm of the North’ while returning from a pilgrimage to holy sites in Iraq. They were held for 18 months by the group, which controlled the Bab al-Hawa crossing north of Syria near the Turkish border. In response, a young Turkish man was kidnapped in the Amrousiyeh area of Choueifat, followed by the abduction of two Turkish airline pilots and a Turkish truck driver.
Ibrahim explained that the Lebanese state had tasked him with managing the case, and he led a difficult and complex negotiation process involving multiple parties, including Syria, Turkey, and Qatar. In the end, he successfully secured the release of the hostages, who were flown back to Lebanon on a private Qatari plane provided by the Qatari Foreign Minister at the time.
Source: National news agency – Lebanon