Press Digest for Thursday March 8, 2012

3^min

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.

Syria's deputy oil minister joins opposition ranks

According to An-Nahar the Syrian Deputy Oil Minister Abdo Hussameldin announced his defection on Thursday, becoming the highest ranking civilian official to abandon President Bashar al-Assad since the uprising against his rule erupted a year ago.

"I Abdo Hussameldin, deputy oil and mineral wealth minister in Syria, announce my defection from the regime, resignation from my position and withdrawal from the Baath Party. I join the revolution of this dignified people," Hussameldin said in a YouTube video.

The authenticity of the video could not be immediately confirmed.

Akkar mayors said No to Seniora

According to As-Safir several mayors of Akkar area did not confirm their attendance to the meeting organized by the head of the Future Party parliamentarian bloc MP Fouad Seniora, adding that some mayors refused to attend the meeting as they believed that the Party is not on the right track.

Future Movement officials told the newspaper that Seniora is trying to contain these reactions before they become remarkable and to reestablish trust between Akkar mayors and resident and the Future Party.

Fatfat: The current government is the worst

MP Ahmad Fatfat told Al-Liwaa newspaper that the current government is the worst government to come to power in the history of Lebanon on the political and economic level as it “didn’t dare to prepare a detailed budget plan for the 2011-2012 financial year”.

Fatfat said that the stances of the head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt confirm that Jumblatt is still in March 8 ranks but has enough courtesy and courage to support the Syrian opposition.

Chamoun: Geagea has the necessary means to attract audience

The head of the Ahrar Party Dory Chamoun told Al-Akhbar newspaper that the head of the Lebanese Forces Party Samir Geagea is the only figure in March 14 who is able to attract Al-Ahrar supporters as he possesses the required funds and means to play a major role on the political scene.

“We are on good terms with Geagea although we might have different point of views”, Chamoun was quoted as saying.

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