Press digest for Monday September 12, 2011

6^min

Rai: I have not rejected Bkerke’s principals

As-Safir daily reported Monday that the Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai voiced surprise over accusations that he has rejected Bkerke’s principles, saying: “the patriarchate has never called for antagonizing Syria and the former patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir has always strived to maintain good ties with Syrians.”

The daily also quoted Rai as saying during a press interview he held upon his arrival to Bkerke that he has reiterated to the French officials his support to reform in the Arab world, including Syria, as he also highlighted his support for the peoples demands, their right to dignity and freedom, and their right to be protected against violence and wars that “we have tasted before”.

Rai also voiced hope that differences be settled through dialogue rather than arms. Rai added that he does not support the Syrian regime or any other regime, since the church does not generally give endorsements to governments.

Rai added: “I told the French that I worry about three things with regard to the Syrian situation: the deterioration of the situation should the regime change, a possible civil war in Syria and the division of the Arab world into sectarian mini-states.”

When asked about Hezbollah’s arms, Rai said that he “told Paris that it is abnormal to have an armed party that has representatives in the cabinet and parliament at the same time”, adding that he held the international community responsible for this fact and urged it to fulfill its obligation in this regard.

Sleiman: No dialogue if Hariri is a no show

Al-Hayat daily quoted well informed political sources Monday as saying that the current situation is unfavorable for holding a dialogue and that President Michel Sleiman has not made his final decision on dialogue, adding that he will not call for its resumption should the former PM Saad Hariri abstain.

The opposition mulls over their response to Rai's concerns

Al-Hayat daily quoted opposition parliamentary sources Monday as saying that the Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai has voiced concerns, during his meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, over the fate of Christians amid the ongoing upheaval in the Arab World.

Rai added that: “Sarkozy assured me on their fate, saying that France and the European community are paying great attention to the matter, and have it as a high priority, in a bid to avoid a fate similar to the Christians of Iraq and other Arab countries.”

The sources said that: “Rai’s statements raised concerns among March 14 forces but they prefer not to engage in direct confrontation with the Patriarch and will give their remarks during a planned visit to Bkerke”.

March 14 forces are planning to hold a comprehensive meeting to respond to Rai’s concerns by drawing up a political certificate that confirms strong Christian-Muslim ties, not only in Lebanon but in the Arab region as a whole.

High-resistance: battle over words delayed electricity law

As-Safir daily quoted well-informed sources Monday as saying that the cabinet’s delay in submitting the electricity draft law to parliament was due to disputes between PM Najib Mikati and Energy Minister Gebran Bassil over the wording of certain passages.

Possible solutions for STL funding

Al-Hayat daily quoted governmental and opposition sources Monday as saying that President Michel Sleiman, PM Najib Mikati and National Struggle Front Leader MP Walid Jumblatt endorse the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) in light of the prime minister’s commitment to international resolutions without adopting a selective approach.

The daily also quoted informed political sources as saying that “there will be other avenues should the cabinet fail to approve the clause related to STL funding, whether by issuing treasury bond equaling $32 million, to cover Lebanon’s contribution until the end of February 2012, or by including the clause in next year’s draft budget.

According to the sources, among the proposed solutions is the issuance of an ordinary decree upon the request of the Justice Minister Chakib Kortbawi , which would be signed by the president, prime minister and Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi to authorize the use of the treasury reserve to fund Lebanon’s contribution, a matter that does not require the approval of the cabinet but that of the Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun.

Another possible solution would be, according to the sources, the drafting of a law during a legislative session that would authorize the spending of $32 million to fund the STL, which would draw the consent of the opposition MPs, Jumblatt, Mikati, State Minister Ahmad Karami and Safadi.