Press Digest for Monday April 30, 2012

6^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.

Berri calls for placing elections’ issue aside, says 8.9 trillion LBP draft needs no amendment

Visitors of Speaker Nabih Berri quoted him as saying that the attempt to smuggle weapons via Lutfallah2 cargo ship is very dangerous. According to As-Safir daily, Berri called for waiting for the investigations’ outcomes before making judgments, saying that he believes that the investigation should not take more than a week.

On another level, Berri voiced surprise over the call to redraft the 8.9 trillion LBP, adding that the law along with the amendments is in the safe hands of the committee and included in the parliament’s agenda. Berri said that statements over amending and submitting the law once again are misplaced.

Berri described the meeting between MP Obeij Hassan Khalil, Sheikh Hussein Khalil and MP Walid Jumblatt was successful, adding that many raised issues were approached with understanding, baring proportional representation.

The speaker considered that it would be best if the elections’ issue is put aside for the moment, and attention is drawn towards people’s affairs, wondering: “Why did they launch the elections’ battle a year before they take place, does someone wish that the cabinet’s work remains obstructed?”

Hariri to make an appearance on May 6

As-Safir daily reported that former PM Saad Hariri will deliver a speech that will broadcasted via a big screen during a crowded ceremony that will be held on May 6 before the tomb of late PM Rafic Hariri in Martyr Square.

Lutfallah2: owners, passengers, shipment and course

A judicial source told As-Safir daily that those who funded Lutfallah2 cargo ship carrying weapons intercepted by the Lebanese Armed Forces while on its way to Tripoli harbor are two Syrian businessmen living in the Gulf (Saudi Arabia). The ship’s owner is of Syrian nationality and the ship’s captain is also Syrian.

According to the source, all concerned individuals are related to the Syrian opposition. The source added that the person who was scheduled to receive the weapons’ shipment in Tripoli harbor is also of a Syrian nationality and was arrested. He had concluded a deal with the Lebanese customs worker who was to receive a handsome amount of money in return for looking the other way.

The source stressed that ship embarked from Libya passed through Turkey then Egypt, before docking in Lebanon. According to the same source, the ship was only carrying weapons and no other cargo, unlike smuggling operations are usually carried out.

The source said that the LAF Intelligence Directorate knew prior to the ship’s arrival that a cargo loaded with weapons was heading towards Lebanon, therefore it took appropriate measures. According to the source, the LAF was waiting for the ship to enter regional waters, adding that 11 people boarding the ship, including the Syrian captain, are being investigated.

Feltman comes to Lebanon with five messages, what are they?

Al-Joumhouria daily learned that Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffery Feltman, who is visiting Beirut in the upcoming days, will brief Lebanese officials on five main messages:

1-   Reiterating Lebanon’s need to abide by U.S. and western financial sanctions imposed against the Syrian regime. The U.S. is insisting on using economic and financial means and securing the success of financial sanctions since the option of a military intervention is, for the time being, out of the question.

2-   Tightening control over Lebanese-Syrian border through a security mechanism. In this context, sources have learned that the U.S. expressed readiness to offer the needed equipment that will enable the LAF from controlling borders more efficiently.

3-   Urging the Lebanese cabinet to maintain domestic stability and security, control hot spots and curb attempts aiming at destabilizing the situation, such as military actions or assassination attempts.

4-   Avoid harming the democratic Lebanese system and carrying out constitutional deadlines in a timely manner, including parliamentary elections.

5-   Forcing Lebanese banks to respect the sanctions. Although the role carried out by the Central Bank of Lebanon is gathering accolades, international reports have reported a few violations concerning suspicious transactions.

Lebanese security source: Political figure are targeted and remain in danger zone

A security source told Al-Joumhouria daily that certain political figures are still targeted and remain in the danger zone, adding that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is the best shield to prevent assassination attempts.

According to the source, it is not unlikely that unrest might occur in Lebanon; however on a small scale. The source stressed that all security officers are showing vigilance towards any potential threat or attack against them, since the upcoming period requires carefulness and watchfulness.

The source added that the repercussions of the Syrian events on Lebanon are contained since no local, regional or even international power wishes to undermine the country, adding that the attempt on the life of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea is still under investigation.