Press Digest for Thursday April 05, 2012

• President Sleiman prepares Pope’s visit to Lebanon

As-Safir newspaper revealed that preparations kicked off at Baabda palace in order to receive the Pope Benedictos who will be visiting Lebanon in September 2012. Sources told the newspaper that two statements will be issued next Sunday, one issued by Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and the other one on the behalf of the Pope to set the guidelines of his visit to Lebanon.

The sources added that a popular reception will be organized to the Pope in Downtown Beirut where he is expected to pronounce a historic speech.  

• Two snipers fired at Geagea to kill him

Sources following the investigation regarding the head of the Lebanese Forces assassination attempt told An-Nahar newspaper that the first statement issued by LF Media Office did not reveal that the shooting incident was targeting Geagea himself as the Lebanese Armed Forces were trying to locate the perpetrators.

The sources added that the shots were fired from more than 1500m away from Geagea’s residence in Maarab, pointing out that 2 heavy snipers were used in the assassination attempt.  

• Jumblatt: Which electoral law are we currently discussing?

According to As-Safir the head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt is trying to act indifferent regarding the electoral law discussion.

“No one told me that were discussing the 1960 law; Let them focus on the electricity currently it’s more important for the people and their daily living”, Jumblatt was quoted as saying.

“We reject the proportional representation law we have several demands that are complementary to the upcoming elections”.        

• Western diplomat: I warned them of upcoming political assassinations

Eminent Western diplomat, who visited several Lebanese officials in the last two months among them former Pm Saad Hariri, former Defense Minister Elias el-Murr, MP Marwan Hmedeh, MP Sami Gemayel and the head of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea, told al-Joumhouria newspaper that a fresh round of political assassination will be carried out in the country, calling on them to take the necessary precautions.