Introduction to the evening news 06-04-2012

Good Friday as celebrated by Christians who follow the Gregorian calendar did not overshadow domestic issues and external developments. On the domestic front, a number of livelihood and security related issued take the forefront. Regarding livelihoods, the issue of electricity-generating ships opened discussions for the reason behind the 9% decrease in prices. Turning to security, the issue of telecommunications data resurfaced with the attempt to assassinate LF leader Dr. Samir Geagea.

Externally, Syrian developments are still in the lead and this judging from different angles: the first one is that with the date set to begin with the implementation of Annan’s plan just around the corner, little details are exacerbating which can eventually undermine the plan. Today, the regime made a clear distinction between withdrawing troops and withdrawing the police, saying that the police will remain in the streets to safeguard security. This condition is followed by another one which is that the opposition must surrender its weapons.  

The second angle is the influx of displaced Syrians to Turkey, especially during the last two days, pushing Ankara to ask the U.N. to interfere to control the influx. 

On the other hand, we must look into an article found in the Washington Post today saying that U.S. President Barack Obama conveyed a message to the Islamic Republic Supreme Leader through Turkish PM. Obama’s message was that Washington will accept that Teheran continues developing its civil nuclear program if it presents guarantees that Iran had never sought and will never seek to possess nuclear weapons.

Before going into the news bulletin’s details, we will examine the odd case of fog that has halted air traffic in Beirut International Airport.