Introduction to the evening news 07-02-2012

General Michel Aoun’s escalation today introduced new elements to the crisis of the cabinet sessions’ suspension.    
Aoun accused the president of becoming part of the blocking third and accused the prime minister of acting beyond his prerogatives as well as violating article 65 of the constitution.    

Aoun wondered “by virtue of what did he suspend the sessions?” , adding that the complicity between the president and prime minister is obstructing the power, “they do not want us to occupy key posts.”      

The Change and Reform bloc leader’s speech was preceded by remarks made by Minister Wael Abou Faour, following his meeting with the prime minister. Faour said that there are ongoing attempts to find new mechanisms of actions and organizing relations within the cabinet, adding that contacts are still in early stages, which suggests that the crisis is open to all options.    

The more time the crisis takes, the more complicated the issues become, especially those related to the repercussions of the Syrian events.    

In addition, French Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the French authorities will reconfirm to PM Mikati, during his visit to Paris, the importance of protecting the Syrian refugees in Lebanon.    

As for Syrian developments, Minister Lavrov came on an unrevealed mission and returned without disclosing any plan or initiative. The most remarkable statements he made was that Syrian President Bashar Assad had assured him he was "completely committed" to seeking an end to violence by all sides in Syria and that he will soon set a date for a referendum on a new constitution.