Introduction to the evening news 20-10-2012

The government’s downfall in exchange of Wissam Hassan’s death. This was the main political demand of March 14, in response to the heinous crime that rocked Achrafieh. For this purpose, the Lebanese opposition was divided between the Martyrs Square and the area surrounding the Grand Serail where March 14 partisans set up tents, made speeches and launched an open sit-in under the slogan “Divorce until justice is served.”         

On another note, roads were blocked with burning tires across Lebanese regions and gunmen roamed the streets, mainly in Tripoli where the situation seems to have spun out of control.           
In contrast, PM Najib Mikati announced that he suspended any decision regarding his resignation after the president asked him to stay on for a period of time. However, the government received a western push mainly from the French ambassador to Lebanon Patrice Paoli who visited Baabda Palace upon the request of President Francois Hollande, to stress the necessity of avoiding a political void by ensuring that public institutions continue performing their duties.        

At a time when the government is facing a blurry fate, former PM Saad Hariri called on all the Lebanese to attend the funeral of Major General Wissam Hassan in the Martyrs Square where he will lie beside his longtime friend late Rafik Hariri.


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