The
following are summaries of today's major stories published in the Arabic press.
LBCI does not edit press digest articles for content, giving English-language
readers insight into the various views expressed in newspapers across the Arab
world.
The
Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Malek Chaar confirmed to
An-Nahar daily that
there is no conflict between the Sunni and Alawite sects, accusing “external
hands” of beefing up their political influence on the regional and domestic
levels in certain regions.
Mufti
Chaar described the ties with Bkerke as “more than excellent”, voicing hope
that religious leaders will steer clear of political affiliations.
As
for the relationship with Hezbollah, Mufti Chaar said that there is no direct
contact with the party, adding that “when fights between us become prohibited,
I will be ready for any dialogue with
them.”
An-Nahar daily reported that initiatives to untangle
the ministerial issue are absent, adding that all efforts were limited to
meetings between advisors who only relayed ideas and advice.
According to information made available to
An-Nahar, Speaker Nabih Berri, on whom the president usually relies to diffuse tension,
has not made a move in this regard, waiting for the clarification of the circumstances
surrounding the dispute.
While Hezbollah adopted a tacit position, close
sources revealed that the party is unlikely to make any steps to solve the
issue but questions the dimensions and timing of PM Najib Mikati’s position.
PM
Najib Mikati denied the presence of any contacts or mediation for the current ministerial
impasse.
Mikati
confirmed to
An-Nahar daily that the sole condition he has is “restoring the cabinet’s
productivity.”
Mikati
added that “it is impossible to separate between the government and cabinet by
confirming adherence to the government and, on the other hand, obstructing the
cabinet sessions.”
The
prime minister added that he sought through his position to shed the light on
the obstructing side, adding that only when he senses serious commitment to the
cabinet’s productivity, things will return to normal.
Al-Akhbar
daily quoted on Saturday high-ranking March 14 sources as saying that Special
Tribunal for Lebanon Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare have secretly met with Future Parliamentary
bloc leader Fouad Siniora during his recent visit to Beirut.
According
to the sources, Bellemare confirmed to Siniora that, before March 1, when he is
expected to leave office for health reasons, he will carry out a draft
indictment for crimes related to the assassination of former PM Rafik Hariri,
particularly the cases of Elias Murr, Marwan Hamadeh and Geroges Hawi.
Interior
Minister Marwan Charbel confirmed to
As-Safir daily that he only acts out of personal
convictions, adding that he still bets on the success of “a challenging mission
which lies in reconciling between the Rabieh General and the Baabda General.”
Charbel
stressed that nothing will change the way he works despite all pressures,
saying “the moment I realize that I am unable to keep acting according to what
I deem as right, I will resign and go home.”
The
interior minister added that “I am a friend of President Michel Sleiman and
that of General Michel Aoun; they know very well who I am; but I did not come
here to please any side at the expense of the law.”