Press Digest for Thursday September 06, 2012

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. 

• Michel Sleiman directly discussed the planned agenda                

Al-Joumhouria newspaper mentioned that while delivering his speech, President of the Lebanese Republic Michel Sleiman asked the cabinet to directly discuss the planned agenda without discussing any other political or security measure reverberated in the country.  

• Unplanned steps affect national economy            

Sources of March 8 mentioned that items discussed in the cabinet under the presence of PM Najib Mikati regarding the series of ranks and salaries was a "comprehensive coop" on what was previously agreed upon between the ministerial committee and the trade union coordinating body.                 

Sources revealed to As-Safir that the President and ministers of MP walid Jumblatt's Bloc discussed the issue of reducing financial attributes of the series considering that "the country cannot handle further burdens seemingly since the national economy will be affected with any unplanned steps".              

• MEA'scontract renewed for 12 years        

Al-Joumhouria newspaper mentioned that ministers in yesterday's cabinet's meeting all agreed on giving exclusive monopoly to Middle East Airlines (MEA) without any objections.

A debate took place and its subject was maintaining and supporting the national company while other sides asked for discussions so that the company considers offering encouraging prices.
It is worth mentioning that an agreement between PM Najib Mikati, and the Ministers of Tourism and Transportation agreed on reducing MEA's contract from 20 years to 12 years.           

• Series of salaries and ranks discussed from all aspects            

Minister of Economy Nicolas Nahhas mentioned that the series of salaries and ranks was fully discussed in all its aspects in the cabinet's evening meeting yesterday at the Grand Serail, pointing out that such negotiations make the draft applicable.           

Nahhas declared to As-Safir newspaper that the series of ranks and salaries may be readdressed  in today's meeting if funding sources were agreed upon.             

The minister drew the attention on the fact that the acknowledgment is being discussed in the ministerial council, but the final word is for the Council of Ministers, stating that the government is trying to reconcile between people's rights and the state's capabilities.

• Saad Hariri: Jumblatt plays a major role in Lebanese situation

The Head of The National Struggle Front (NSF) Walid Jumblatt declared to Al-Hayat newspaper that his meeting with Saad Hariri was about the coming parliamentary elections.

Hariri mentioned that direct contact should help garner solutions for Lebanon since Walid Jumblatt plays a major role in this issue.