He also has close relations with former president George Bush, a fact he proudly highlights in his statement. Anyway, envy is a killer. On the Tufts appearance, Fares said the university agrees on a fee directly with the lecturer. A Bush spokesman commented for the first time yesterday on the Powell story prior to the release of the Fares statement. The receipt of speaking fees is nothing new and the Senate will be fully informed, as usual.
Fares is a billionaire businessman and philanthropist.
He is a close ally of the head of Syrian intelligence in Lebanon, and a backer of Hizbullah activities there. Fares, who sent a note of congratulations to Powell after his nomination and received a note of thanks in return, is planning on attending Inauguration events next week in Washington. He has been a key point of contact for the State Department, which is helping Lebanon draft legislation to combat money laundering. Links An assortment of websites relating to the Middle East. Israel Travel Center Reserve direct from over 150 travel service providers.