Press digest for Monday September 05, 2011

24^min

Mikati-Bassil meeting to be held before ministerial meeting

“As-Safir” newspaper reported that a meeting will be held Monday at noon between PM Najib Mikati and Energy Minister Gebran Bassil to narrow the differences on the electricity plan, a controversial proposal to develop Lebanon’s power sector.This meeting will precede an important ministerial meeting expected to be held in the afternoon at the Grand Serail to reach a common approach on the implementation of the above-mentioned plan.

Jumblatt optimistic on electricity plan

National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt told “As-Safir” newspaper that he was optimistic on the electricity plan, adding that the meeting held Sunday evening at the house of the General Security’s chief Major General Abbas Ibrahim constituted the final stage of a technical and administrative settlement on the electricity issue.

“In the presence of Hezbollah and Amal movement’s representatives, I stressed that there were no political considerations behind my stance on the plan suggested by Energy Minister Gebran Bassil”, Jumblatt said.

Berri rules out cabinet collapse

Speaker of the House Nabih Berri told “Al-Joumhouria” newspaper that finding a solution to the electricity issue is mandatory. “I suggested a solution to PM Najib Mikati to amend the electricity law proposed by Energy Minister Gebran Bassil”, he said.

Berri ruled out a cabinet collapse due to the dispute over the electricity plan. “The electricity issue must steer clear of political polarization for it concerns all Lebanese”, he said expecting a solution in the near future.

Speaking more generally, Berri was wondering why it took the cabinet so long to carry out administrative appointments at a time when public institutions and ministries have so many vacancies.

Zahra: Excess of power gives Hezbollah feeling of superiority

Commenting on the statements made by the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc’s leader MP Mohammad Raad, Lebanese Forces member MP Antoine Zahra told "al-Joumhouria" newspaper that the excess of power gives Hezbollah a feeling of superiority, and gives its members the feeling they can use threats as a political tool.

“I cannot accept any dissenting views on the March 14 coalition’s national loyalty and political project”, Zahra said.

Marouni: General Karam’s verdict politicized

Zahle bloc MP Elie Marouni told “al-Mustaqbal” newspaper that Change and Reform bloc members are anticipating the opinions of other MPs and political figures on the verdict issued by the Military Court against retired general Fayez Karam. At the end of Saturday’s hearing, Karam was sentenced to 2 years of hard labor in prison for collaborating with Israel.

"Change and Reform bloc ministers will not resign from the cabinet next Wednesday”, Marouni said adding that they only use the threat of resignation in order to gain a political advantage.