Press Digest for Friday March 9, 2012

4^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.

Jumblatt: I do not work for the FPM

The Head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt told As-Safir daily that he is still part of the majority, adding that a diverse majority that respects democracy and freedom is required. “I do not work for the Free Patriotic Movement”, Jubmlatt said.

Jumblatt added that his decision to boycott the latest parliamentary session is based on his desire to reach a settlement for both the $11 billion and the 8.9 trillion LBP issues.

“Speaker Nabih Berri and I see eye to eye on this matter and we would both like to come to a settlement”, Jumblatt stressed.

According to An-Nahar daily, Jumblatt said from Paris that French Foreign Minister Alin Juppe is one of the few foreign politicians who did not believe “the myth that says that Syrian President Bashar Assad is reformist”.

Solution to overspending crisis lies in Berri’s initiative

Speaker Nabih Berri told Al-Joumhouria daily that the draft proposed to solve the overspending crisis is included within the framework of his initiative. Berri assured that his initiative is based on the fact that what will be applied to the 8.9 trillion LBP covering the 2012 expenditures should be applied to the $11 billion plus the $5 billion.

On another note, parliamentary sources told Al-Hayat daily said that Berri received a phone call on Thursday from his deputy Farid Makari to renew his call to hold a parliamentary meeting next Thursday. According to the sources, the session will discuss ordinary drafts since the draft forwarded by the cabinet to legalize the 8.9 trillion LBP spent in 2011 was withdrawn.

The sources added that Berri will issue a statement regarding this matter on Monday, adding that all parliamentary blocs will attend Thursday’s session since the 8.9 trillion LBP controversial draft was pulled back.

Mikati optimistic, trusts Berri

Prime Minister Najib Mikati told Al-Joumhouria daily that he was optimistic and believes that the draft that will settle the public expenditures will be passed during Friday’s cabinet session.

Mikati added that the draft in question is that forwarded by Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi and to which some amendments were introduced.

“I trust that Speaker Berri will remove all obstacles that can hamper its adoption later on in parliament”, the premier added.

Kenaan: Amendments to Safadi’s draft are no concession

The Head of the Finance parliamentary committee MP Ibrahim Kenaan told Al-Akhbar daily that for the first time since 2005 amendments are brought to a draft law on public expenditures. The draft law referred to by Kenaan is that forwarded by Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi in a bid to legitimize the overspending done during the tenures of former PMs Fouad Siniora and Saad Hariri. Kenaan stressed that the result is neither a settlement nor a concession in favor to any party; it was rather an agreement to respect the constitution and laws.

Kenaan also told An-Nahar daily that the cabinet will submit related documents to the Audit Bureau that will determine the shortfalls hindering the audit process.