Press Digest for Monday April 23, 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.

Mikati: Devil dwells in electricity details

As-Safir daily quoted PM Najib Mikati as confirming that he will do his best to seize the new opportunity presented to the cabinet and manifested in the parliament’s renewed vote of confidence in a way that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people and boost the cabinet’s productivity.

Commenting on the issue of leasing electricity-generating barges, Mikati explained that it was agreed in principle on signing a contract with the Turkish company, adding, however, that there are many details that require examination and that they will be followed up by the minister of energy. “The devil usually dwells in details”, Mikati warned.

Mikati revealed that, in order to conclude the optimal deal, International Law Offices as well as judges of the Shura Council will be resorted to.

One should not compromise conditions under the pressure of time, he added.

Mohammad Agha hands himself in to LAF

An-Nahar daily learned that Mohammad Agha nicknamed “Abou al-Lamaa” handed himself in to the Lebanese Armed Forces after having taken part in a shooting against an anti-Syrian regime protest in Tripoli on Sunday. Army units ran investigations to arrest other wanted criminals including Hussein Zeidan.

Three people were injured when gunmen fired at a rally staged on Sunday to protest against the Syrian regime in the area of Abi Samra in the northern city of Tripoli.

LAF troops rushed to the site and cordoned off the area to prevent the situation from exacerbating. Youth from Tripoli blocked the road at Abdul Hamid Karami roundabout near Tripoli Serail to protest against the shooting. They chanted against the Syrian regime and those who attacked the protest.

What is the true story behind the Mikati “neutral” cabinet?

An-Nahar daily quoted sources close to PM Najib Mikati as confirming that the premier had turned down an offer to head a neutral cabinet in return for his non-candidacy in elections.

The sources refuted allegations that Mikati was the author of this proposal, adding that the latter briefed his allies on the proposal after he had announced his rejection.

Sources of the majority told An-Nahar that “the proposal is trapped since it carries in its folds an intention revealing that the prime minister is in the process of breaching the ministerial solidarity and majority coalition, turning his back on his new allies and going back to his roots in March 14, reviving thus the 2005 experience.”

Sleiman promises to solve Jumblatt’s objections to proportional representation

President Michel Sleiman told As-Safir daily that, from now on, all efforts should aim at inducing a change in the public spirit through a new and modern electoral law. Sleiman stressed that this law should lead to the election of a parliament governed by a national and rational dialogue that grants priority to public affairs and national interests.

Sleiman added that he will take into account the opinion of each party, especially that of the Head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid Jumblatt, to find a solution to their objections and reservations regarding proportional representation. The president stressed the need to get rid of the electoral law that dates back to the 1960s and adopt a new law that will secure political diversity even within each sect.

Sleiman said that despite its differences, the majority is keen on the survival of the cabinet for many reasons, adding that the motion of no confidence confirmed what was clear. “We are well aware that there is no intention to topple the cabinet”, Sleiman said “Right now it is expected to work and be productive”.

Berri: Proportional Representation and a Senate will secure parity

Speaker Nabih Berri told An-Nahar daily that his call to adopt proportional representation and establish a senate includes parity between Muslims and Christians. Berri stressed that elections will be followed by the creation of a senate that represents spiritual families in Lebanon.

According to the local newspaper, Berri said that after the desired agreement discussions will center on a constitutional amendment that will consider the future parliament a national council.

An-Nahar learned that Berri assigned Minister Ali Hassan Khalil with contacting President Michel Sleiman as well as opposition and majority figures starting from today to discuss this matter.

Khalil said that if an agreement is reached, the constitution will be either interpreted or amended, adding that he will make all calls needed to ensure the success of this step.

Ogero employee suspected of collaborating with Israel

Al-Akhbar daily reported that LAF Intelligence team raided the house of individual with initials K. D. in the town of Kfar Remman in the Nabatieh district, Saturday morning. The individual in question was arrested for suspicion of collaborating with Israel and was transferred to the Ministry of Defense where he is kept in custody for interrogation.

The newspaper reported that the detainee is an Ogero employee and has been working for the company since its establishment. He is known for travelling to European countries.