The
following are summaries of today's
major stories published in the Arabic press. LBCI does not edit press
digest articles for content, giving English-language readers insight
into the various views expressed in newspapers across the Arab world.
In what has become a
daily Twitter ritual, former PM Saad Hariri told his followers that the justifications for Lebanon’s shameful vote in the Arab League are simply unacceptable. “Those claiming to want to keep Lebanon neutral and shielded from Syria's repercussions have thrown the country in the middle of the storm”, Hariri said.
Hariri stressed that the Syrian regime has lost its legitimacy, adding “If I visit Syria again, it means the regime is already gone...”.
Hariri also admitted that March 14 parties should show more leadership qualities, stressing that the current opposition will attempt to topple the government and that his return to Lebanon is near.
Hariri ruled out the possibility of any regional war lurking in the horizon saying: “It is just to scare people”.
National Struggle Front leader Walid Jumblatt reveled to
An-Nahar daily his point of view as to Lebanon’s position regarding Syria in the Arab League.
“Lebanon should not have taken a stance similar to that of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh”, Jumblatt said.
In Jumblatt’s opinion, the best thing to do would be to retain the Arab initiative that Syria resorted to, hoping that the Syrian regime will implement it. “Syria’s salvation lies in the Arab initiative”, Jumblatt says.
Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour told
Al-Joumhouria daily that the Lebanese cabinet will not withdraw Lebanon’s ambassador to Syria. Mansour explained that voting against the Arab League’s decision means not accepting the decision’s terms and conditions.
The daily quoted Mansour as saying: “Lebanon opposes singling out or isolating any Arab country, especially one that founded the same institution that is targeting it.” Mansour stressed that Syria’s balance, stability and security are organically linked to the balance, stability and security of Lebanon.
A source close to the U.S. State Department told
Acharq al Awsat daily that the Arab League’s decision regarding Syria was more stringent than expected. “Finally the Arab League has decided to stop hesitating”, the source added.
The daily quoted the source as saying: “In the United States’ opinion, with this decision the Arab League sent a clear message to Russia and China,” in reference to the fact that both countries have vetoed a UN resolution condemning the Syrian regime.
The U.S. source expected that the next step would be taking such a decision to the UN Security Council, ruling out the possibility of resorting to any military actions. “The UNSC might send observers to Syria and impose further international sanctions”, the source added.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow told
An-Nahar daily that he met with Syrian President Bashar Assad as a patriarch not as a politician or a diplomat. The patriarch added that the sole purpose behind his visit to Syria is to get acquainted with the situation of the Christians living there.
The newspaper quoted the patriarch as saying: “Syria is a perfect example for peaceful coexistence amongst Christians and Muslims for centuries.”
The patriarch of Moscow voiced fear over the recent violence against Christians in Iraq and Egypt, hoping that no harm will reach Christians in Lebanon, Syria and North Africa. Patriarch Kirill underscored Russia’s long history free of inter-religious violence.