Introduction to the evening news 16-05-2012

The day saw a “gray-colored” end, whether in Tripoli, the Electricité du Liban or at the cabinet. The north witnessed a heated race between calm and deterioration. However, as for 4:00 p.m., the situation began to deteriorate and finally eased thanks to mediation led by the interior minister and which resulted in an agreement to allow a second interrogation with Shadi Mawlawi. Thus, the truce remains fragile as the city sleeps near a powder keg that is ready to explode at any moment.    
The EDL witnessed the whole day another sort of tension as contract workers escalated their movement, prompting the board of director to request the security forces’ support. This request could fuel tension between the company and contract workers.   

The cabinet’s situation was not any better as the expenditure issue remains stalled though some funds were approved in line with an article of the constitution.   

Two developments marked the Syrian issue: the first was manifested in Syrian President Bashar Assad’s announcement that the legislative elections reveal that the Syrian people support the regime. The second development lied in a report published by Washington Post, according to which Washington is helping coordinate the shipping of arms to the opposition.