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.
According to
Al-Joumhouria newspaper Russia circulated a revised UN Security Council resolution on the violence in Syria but Western diplomats said it fell short of their demand for strong condemnation of President Bashar Assad’s crackdown on civilians.
Diplomatic sources revealed that the draft resolution will be discussed at the UNSC next meeting on Tuesday afternoon, ruling out any possible solution or agreement.
The sources added that Russia circulated the resolution on purpose before the upcoming Arab Ministers meeting that will try to raise the Syrian file to the UN and thus Russia will fail the Arab trial for internationalization before any possible attempt, narrowing the Arab League’s options on Syria.
According to
As-Safir newspaper the head of the Kataeb Party Amin Gemayel stands in the opposition ranks against the government but not in March 14 coalition and supported the national dialogue between different opposition figures and PM Najib Mikati since the formation of the current government in June 2011.
“We were in March 14 coalition before many political parties who are now unhappy with our political speech; we might not agree with the Future Movement on major issues but they clearly understand our reservations”, As-Safir quoted Gemayel as saying.
“We both have different point of views when it comes to the Syrian issue, the Kataeb Party supports the changing movements in the Arab world and especially Syria but we are sure that it is not in Lebanon’s interests to interfere in internal Syrian political affairs”.
Gemayel revealed that Kataeb Party remains prudent towards the events in Syria for two reasons, the first reason lies in the unclear background and political motives behind the movements, while the second one the Kataeb refusal to drag the Syrian conflict to the local political scene in Lebanon.
Following the collapse of Achrafieh’s building, the head of the Public Works Parliamentary Commission Mohammad Qabbani told
An-Nahar newspaper that 20 thousand buildings in Lebanon might have the same faith if the government does not take urgent actions to prevent a similar disaster.
Qabbani added that Achrafieh’s disaster rose about public safety and the lack of urban design.
Sources close to the head of the UN Ban Ki-moon and to the Turkish FM Ahmed Davutoglu told
al-Joumhouria newspaper that the effect of their last visit to Lebanon will start showing soon, adding that the international and regional political influence on the country is one of those effects.
The sources added that it is not hidden anymore that two crucial topics discussed last week during Ki-moon and Davutoglu’s visit to Lebanon: Syria’s turmoil and Hezbollah’s weapons which constitutes a threat to the country and the region.
On the other hand the sources revealed that the reason behind the fall of former PM Saad Hariri was a political plan to “Syrianize” Lebanon as it becomes a political card in the Syrian Regime’s hand which is currently facing many obstacles including the latest events in Syria.
According to
Al-Joumhouria newspaper the head of the General Labor Confederation revealed that the economic unions coordinating bodies are not concerned with the wage adjustment issue and thus have no right to call for popular movements or strikes.
Ghosn added that he expects the government to issue a new decree this week to set the minimum wage amid the rising prices, revealing that the professors and teachers are not included in that decree. “I don’t know why they feel concerned about this decree and why they are that exited to take the streets”, Ghosn told the newspaper.
“I hope that after 6 months the government will not fail once again on Wednesday to issue a decree solving this file”