5/3/05
World Tribune
EXCERPT:
NICOSIA — In the first such move since the 1970s, Lebanon has purged its pro-Syrian security leadership.
The new government of Prime Minister Najib Miqati has fired or replaced three security chiefs and the prosecutor-general. All four officials were described as having followed orders of Syria to quell those opposed to that country's military presence in Lebanon.
The reshuffle of Lebanon's security leadership has not led to a significant easing of restrictions on civil liberties. Over the last week, security forces clashed with protesters who sought information on the release of their relatives detained by Lebanese or Syrian authorities, Middle East Newsline reported.
Western diplomatic sources said that despite the Syrian military withdrawal Miqati was expected to follow orders issued by Damascus. Miqati was scheduled to arrive in Damascus on May 4 for his first meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad.
The government also appointed a military intelligence chief and police commander. The new intelligence chief was identified as George Khoury, who replaced Raymond Azar, who left for France with his family last week amid the Syrian military withdrawal from Lebanon.