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.
PM Najib Mikati told
As-Safir daily that he is poised for all possible issues that might be tabled during Tuesday’s session. “It would be only natural for parliament to hold such a session, especially that it falls at the heart of the parliamentary and democratic endeavor. Furthermore, such a session is proof enough that the political regime is healthy”, Mikati added.
Speaking on his expectations from the parliamentary discussions, Mikati said: “In any case, we do not expect to be showered with compliments; some may want to criticize us. Therefore, we will deal with the situation as it is presented to us. We hope, however, that the MPs will have positive discussions, rather than focus on criticism for the sake of criticism”.
Turning to the possibility of resorting to a motion of no confidence, Mikati stressed that such a step lies at the heart of democracy and is a right reserved to parliament. “If [parliament] sees that a motion of no confidence is a must, than let it be. Those who wish to cast a no confidence vote can do so as we have no objections”, Mikati said.
President Michel Sleiman told
As-Safir daily that he is not obligated to sign the government’s 8.9 billion LBP expenditures draft law, adding that he will make this decision if he sees that the draft fits with the public order.
Sleiman stressed that some had suggested that he signs the draft so that violations would be overlooked through “the heresy” of ministerial decrees and decisions. The president said that Speaker Nabih Berri took the decision to suspend the parliamentary session when he realized that the majority of MPs belonging to the same sect left the hall, wondering: “Why am I expected to sign [the draft] for political interests that are not related to financial regulations? How come am I asked to use my prerogatives here but I am denied my right to appoint a head for the Higher Judicial Council?”
Sleiman added that he briefed Berri on his refusal to sign the draft that violates article 58 of the constitution. The president stressed that he is certain as soon as the law will become official, it will be appealed.
On another note, Sleiman stressed that he will not go back on his belief in proportional representation, even if he is the last one standing.
Sleiman stressed that he will not accept any appointments in violation of the adopted mechanism, adding that the adopted standards should be unified so that we can build a state. “I will not be a silent witness to violations”, Sleiman said, adding that the same applies to raising the retirement age for the army commander to 62.
Speaker Nabih Berri told
As-Safir daily that the solution he suggested to the electoral law is based on a “flexible interpretation” of some of the clauses in the Taif agreement and constitution.
Berri said that his solution considers Lebanon as one constituency according to the proportional representation system, adding that right after the new parliament is elected; a senate should be elected as stipulated by the Taif agreement and the constitution. Berri stressed that the solution will broaden Lebanon’s horizons and will be considered as a breakthrough to the closed political reality.
The speaker added that there is a possibility of finding common grounds with MP Walid Jumblatt who is linking proportional representation to appropriate circumstances. “We can meet MP Jumblatt half way regarding the electoral system, despite March 14 attempts to lure him into leaving the majority”, Berri said.
Speaking on the stance taken by former PM Saad Hariri, Berri said that Hariri cannot regard weapons as a pretext to rule out proportional representation, adding “it is apparent that everyone owns weapons, thus Hariri’s pretext is not convincing”.
The Head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt told
As-Safir daily that a motion of no confidence vote is out of the question.
“It took us 6 or 7 months before reaching an agreement on electricity-generating-ships. From now on, let us grant priority to electricity”, Jumblatt said, “The issue of a motion of no confidence is out of the question and [the front] has nothing to do with it”.
The parliament will kick off Monday morning a general discussion session that will last three days and will end on Thursday.
In this context, Future bloc MP Samir Jeser told
An-Nahar daily that the bloc’s concerns range from security and economy to telecommunications, electricity, education and justice. Jeser stressed that the bloc will not resort to a motion of no confidence vote.
Secretary General of the Change and Reform Bloc MP Ibarhim Kenaan also told the same newspaper that 22 MPs from the bloc have asked to be given the floor during the session. Kenaan said that the bloc’s general secretariat took upon itself the task of dividing roles, issues and even the approach that should be adopted during consecutive meetings held in Rabieh.
Sources close to the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc said that, as usual, the bloc distributed the topics amongst the MPs, adding that the statements will display the most prominent problems for the timely and main issues.
Minister Wael Abou Faour said that he is assuming his responsibility within his ministry, adding that logically speaking the cabinet should appear before parliament in order to be rewarded for assuming its functions properly and held accountable when mistakes were made.