Introduction to the evening news 13-01-2012

The visit is being closely scrutinized given the U.N. chief’s previous stances, in anticipation of what he and Lebanese officials have to say. The following are highlights of Ban’s visit so far:         

The absence of the Lebanese minister of foreign affairs who is in Libya, following up on the case of Imam Musa Sadr.           
The absence of the STL from the Lebanese President’s discussions with Ban Ki Moon, who mentioned it later on.           

In addition to this item, the Lebanese were very busy today following up on the latest updates of the storm that is expected to recede today, only to return on Tuesday evening.           

As for the chronic issues, mainly the wage adjustment issue, they seem to be facing a deadlock amid the lack of common ground between the economic bodies and the GLC on one hand, and the labor minister and the Trade Union Coordination Committee on the other.             

On the international scene, the Syrian developments are escalating again amid fears of the possible failure of the Arab monitors’ mission in Syria. Reuters reported only moments ago that the Syrian forces stormed a town near the border with Lebanon, with no further details.