Introduction to the evening news 15-04-2012

From Mohammad Mustafa Dabi, head of the Arab observer mission, to the Moroccan colonel that will lead the UN observers…What has exactly changed so that the UN mission could succeed where the Arab mission has failed?    

It is true that, this time, the international cover is of greater importance given that the UN observers are sent as a result of an international consensus in line with UNSCR 2024. However, many observations could put a question mark over the odds of the success of this new mission.   

In fact, only 6 observers arrived today to be followed by 24 others within the upcoming few days. They are expected to reach 250 within weeks.   

The first problem is not related to the observers’ number, but rather to the conditions that are being set for them. At a time when the international community is calling on the Syrian authorities to secure the safety of observers and their freedom of movement, the presidential adviser announced today that the Syrian government could not be responsible for the safety of international ceasefire monitors unless it is involved in "all steps on the ground.”   

Another development on the Syrian front lies in the military sources’ announcement that concerned authorities would stop "terrorist groups" from continuing criminal acts in the country, which means that military operations could continue despite the observers’ presence.   

As for the Lebanese scene, the issue of 8.9 trillion LBP is expected to be the focus of discussions to be held within few days in the wake of the president’s refusal to sign the related expenditure draft law. This issue will be included to the parliament’s agenda starting Tuesday.   

In a statement to our correspondent, Sleiman wondered from Australia “could the president exercise his prerogatives by signing the decree without having the right to appoint a head of the Higher Judicial Council?”    

This position will refuel the debate between him and General Michel Aoun regarding the appointment of a head of the Higher Judicial Council.