Introduction to the evening news 26-04-2012

Despite the internal hubbub surrounding the strike held today by Lebanon’s public transportation sector, the first escalating step among many expected to take place weekly until the 14th of May, the fast evolving developments in Syria put the Syrian file above all else. In light of the shaky truce imposed by U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, the following developments emerged today:      

Syrian businessman Nawfal al-Dawalibi, resident in Saudi Arabia announced from Paris the formation of a transitional government. This declaration raises many questions including the following: Does the fact that al-Dawalibi is a resident in the KSA mean that Saudi Arabia agrees on this step? What is the fate of the National Council after this declaration? What is the nature of the relationship between al-Dawalibi and Head of the National Council Burhan Ghalioun?         

The second development that emerged was the meeting held in Cairo between a delegation from the National Council and the Arab League Secretary General. The delegation announced a suggested date for the meeting to be held between all parties of the Syrian opposition in Cairo on May 16th.      

Also on Syria, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu talked about measures to avoid the flow of Syrian refugees to his country. While he did not explain this measure, Turkish media outlets mentioned the possibility of the establishment of a buffer zone along the borders to protect refugees. Nonetheless, opponents of the move considered it to be a declaration of war.          
Domestically, in light of the pressure of livelihood-related issues, some files such as the overseas voting one remain on the table; this issue began to raise some doubt as to its content. Another issue is the tense relation between Baabda and Rabiyeh that was most reflected in MP Ziad Aswad’s statement to a news agency today when he said the current president is a “president of disruption”.