10 November 98: The return of
the displaced was the focus of discussion at Bkirki, where Maronite Patriarch
Cardinal Nasrallah Butros Sfeir received MP Antoine Andraous, the former
president of the Central Fund for the Displaced. Mr. Andraous declined
comment after the meeting, but Bkerki sources said Cardinal Sfeir insisted that
the return of the displaced be completed in the next presidential mandate, and
cannot "remain a subject of political extortion." The CFD is under the
authority of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, while the Ministry for the Displaced
is headed by Walid Jumblatt. Politicians close to both sides have accused the
other of being responsible for massive waste in overseeing the return, while
other political parties and groups have also benefited financially during the
distribution of funds since 1993.
