Introduction to the evening news 02-09-2011

Two major issues will make the headlines next week: the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) and wage adjustment.

The issue of funding the STL is in the midst of a tug of war between PM Najib Mikati’s willingness and Hezbollah, Amal movement and MP Michel Aoun’s stern rejection.

As for the issue of wage adjustment, it is caught in the middle between a General Workers’ Union clinging on so tight to its “new” 1.25 million LBP minimum wage and a cabinet reluctant to accept the GWU’s request. This reluctance is due to the fierce opposition of employers who are afraid that such a raise will not only induce “lethal” deficit rates but it will also deal a deathblow to the already brittle businesses.

A milestone in the issue is the involvement of the Muslim brotherhood, represented by the general supervisor Mohammad Riad Asheka as well as liberals and seculars. 

On the Syrian front, the Syrian army declared that it has tightened its grip on Al Rustn village in the district of Homes after clashes erupted between the army and dissidents.

The event, marked by the participation of the Muslim Brotherhood, coincided with statements made all the way from Egypt that U.S. officials met with members of the Freedom and Justice Party that has strong links to Muslim Brotherhood.