Press Digest for Sunday February 19, 2012

7^min

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.

Kenaan to An-Nahar: Nahhas will sign transportation decree

Change and Reform bloc MP Ibrahim Kenaan told An-Nahar daily that Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas will sign the transportation decree whenever a law is issued by the Parliament. “Nahhas had originally said that he will be willing to sign [the decree] whenever it will be submitted to Parliament”, Kenaan said.

Speaking on remarks made by the bloc’s leader MP Michel Aoun late Saturday night that the transportation issue needs to be legalized, Kenaan said: “Aoun is insisting on finding a legal exit, rather than a mere settlement.”

Kenaa ruled out the possibility of linking the exit to promises that were made regarding the expected appointments.

Jumblatt: If schools are not enough to accommodate displaced Syrians, let us open our homes to them

The Head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt told An-Nahar daily that displaced Syrians, wherever they may be, should be granted social assistance and guarantees.

According to the daily, Jumblatt said that in light of the atrocities and crimes committed by the Syrian army against them, Lebanon should assume its duties.

The PSP leader added:“If schools and institutions are not enough to accommodate displaced Syrians, I call on everyone to open their homes and offer social and medical assistance to them”.

An-Nahar: STL indictment with new names will be issued

Opposition circles told An-Nahar daily that indictments are expected to be issued by the STL within 10 to 12 days. The sources added that arrest warrants might include new names, other than those of the four indicted in the assassination of former PM Rafic Hariri.

The same circles said that if the four accused appear to be also involved in the assassination attempts against MP Marwan Hmadeh and former minister Elias Murr and the assassination of former Lebanese Communist Party Secretary General George Hawi, will unravel several threads in other assassinations that have yet to be investigated.

Sleiman: No one can encroach on the presidency, those who do will be harmed

President Michel Sleiman told Al-Mustaqbal daily that no one can encroach on the presidency, stressing that those who even attempt to do so will be harmed. “Similar to how waves crash on a rock, encroachment on the presidency will be harmful only to those who attempt it”, Sleiman said.

Sleiman added that the cabinet is not one-sided and this was made clear through several issues and subjects that were tabled. “Although it does not regroup all Lebanese parties, the cabinet does include March 8 forces and independents”, Sleiman said.

The president noted that a minister is bound to execute a decision issued by the cabinet and if not he should present either a plausible explanation or his resignation. “People should hold those responsible for public affairs accountable. They should also listen and accept positive rhetoric while rejecting negative one”, Sleiman added.

Sleiman underscored the importance of democracy and rotation of power in Syria just like in any other country, since when regimes surrounding Lebanon will become similar to it, it will be Lebanon’s true opportunity to practice its own democracy and excel.

The president called on all parties to overcome fears over the fate of minorities: “I am honored that I was elected president by 97% of the Parliament’s votes”. To those who claim that he does not represent Christians, he responded: “When they casted their votes either they lied to people and were distrustful or they were truthful. If this turns out to be true, it means that I do represent the Christians, if they were indeed distrustful it means that neither me nor them represent the Lebanese”.

Will displaced Syrians become permanent refugees in Lebanon?

An-Nahar daily reported that, two weeks ago, Damascus informed those in charge of supervising its passages to Lebanon to prohibit children and women from entering Lebanese territories without a special permit.

In light of the growing number of displaced Syrians heading to Wadi Khaled and other villages in Akkar and Tripoli during the past few months, a notable shift has been made. In fact, scores of Syrians are heading to southern villages especially to Zahrani, forcing official and partisan security forces to monitor their movement.

Political sides warned that displaced Syrians might become refugees in Lebanon, regardless of the turn of events in Syria. Some have warned against the establishment of Syrian refugee camps especially in the North, fearing that the situation will become a permanent one.

Sources close to the Maronite Church told An-Nahar daily that the Vatican is following up on the issue of displaced Syrians via Apostolic Nuncio of Syria Mario Zenari, adding that the situation is not reassuring. The same sources stressed that a number of bishops who are also keeping a close eye on the situation have said that Syrian authorities are keen on avoiding the displacement of Syrian Christians.

The bishops also assured that the anti-regime protesters mean no harm to churches and monasteries even if some violations are committed.

The same sources added that Syrian authorities are keeping close account of the number of displaced Christians, especially those taking refuge in Lebanon. The sources voiced fears over the perpetuity of violence in Syria, which will lead to further displacement in the absence of a clear vision for the future.