The following information was provided during a 11 September 1998 telephone interview with the Director of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The Director has conducted research on Islamic groups in Lebanon with a special focus on the Shi'a and Hezbollah. The Director has been involved in field research and has travelled extensively in all parts of Lebanon.

The Director stated that after an internal realignment in 1993-94 the Kataeb Party is now part of the mainstream political establishment of Lebanon. The party is currently much closer to Syria and the Lebanese government than ever in the past. The Syrians and the Lebanese government are making concerted efforts to include them in the government. As a result members and supporters of the party are not targeted by the Lebanese or Syrian security forces.

This information was corroborated by the Director of the Centre For Lebanese Studies in Oxford, England during a 11 September 1998 telephone interview. The Director added that the Kataeb Party is officially recognized and its members and supporters are free to hold public meetings without problems.

The Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) reported that the Kataeb Party was part of a "strong, broad list backed by Berri and Hariri" (26 June 1998). Middle East News Items reported that George Saadeh, leader of the Kataeb Party, met with Dr. Bashar Al-Assad, son of President Hafez Al-Assad, in Damascus (29 March 1998). According to UPI, the Kataeb Party has had its license renewed by the Ministry of Information and Culture for its radio station Voice of Lebanon (24 July 1997).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Director, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon. 11 September 1998. Telephone interview.

Director, Centre For Lebanese Studies, Oxford, England. 11 September 1998. Telephone interview.

Middle East Economic Digest (MEED). 26 June 1998. "Elections End With Surprise Defeat for Hizbollah." (NEXIS)

Middle East News Items. 29 March 1998. "Phalanges Party to Elect Leadership." (NEXIS)

United Press International (UPI). 24 July 1997. BC Cycle. "Lebanon Curbs TV, Radio Stations". (NEXIS)