Free Republic

JERUSALEM-Prime Minister Menahem Begin said Monday that Israel is providing training, supplies and artilery support to Christian militiamen in south Lebanon. It is Israel's duty"to prevent what he called an attempt at "genocide" by Palestinian forces in Lebanon. Begin blasted France for failing to intervene on behalf of Christian villagers and soldiers who have been under earch all Issues siege in south Lebanon for months. He said that "Christian France, the patron of the Maronite Christians for ages. had sold them down the river" to carry favor with the Arab oil-producing countries who support the Palestinians. IT HAS BEEN known...

Laurel Mill, other locations, expected to stay open From staff and wire reports MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Canadian door maker Masonite International Inc., a company with origins to Laurel, said Tuesday it expects to file for bankruptcy protection from creditors as part of a deal with lenders to reduce the company’s debt by nearly $2 billion. Masonite, which is majority owned by U.S. leveraged-buyout firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, is seeking support for the plan from its broader lender and bondholder constituencies. If approved, a “pre-negotiated” reorganization plans would be filed in conjunction with a creditors’ restructuring in Canada and Chapter 11...

DANVILLE, Va. -- Masonite Corp. plans to close its Danville, Va. pressboard manufacturing plant on March 26, leaving 172 employees without jobs. The company blamed the decision, announced Tuesday, on a steep drop in demand for its products. The products made in Danville include pegboards and the wood product on clipboards. Duron and Presswood products also are used in furniture and store fixtures. Phil Kohner, Masonite vice president of human resources, blamed the reduced demand on Brazilian competition and substitute products.