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.
Syrian Ambassador Ali Abdul Karim told As-Safir daily that the Syrian delegation that visited Bkerke on Wednesday, hailed the Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai for his latest stances that warned against the dangers stemming from the Israeli occupation.
Ali added that the delegation warned against sectarian strife since it will only tear the region apart and will create sectarian and confessional statelets, adding that the delegation told the patriarch that Syria is overcoming the ordeal.
Ali ruled out the notion that the Mufti of Syria did not preside over the delegation because his presence in Lebanon will compel him to visit Mufti Mohammad Rashid Qabbani, adding that the Mufti was scheduled to receive a foreign delegation visiting Syria.
The newspaper quoted Ali as saying: “The patriarch’s visit to Syria is not tabled at the moment, since Rai is preparing for a long visit to the U.S.”
PM Najib Mikati told Al-Hayat daily that his cabinet will carry on its work, God willing, adding that his prerogatives as PM allow him to extend his authority on all Lebanese territories and institutions.
Mikati denied having received any warnings from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in case the cabinet does not implement the international resolutions.
“We do not need any warnings from anyone and no one knows Lebanon’s interest better than us”, Mikati said, adding that Lebanon’s best interest is to abide by international resolutions.
Mikati stressed that the protocol signed between Lebanon and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is still enforced, adding that the STL’s funding is also in Lebanon’s best interest.
“Lebanon will never meddle in Syria’s affairs,” Mikati told the newspaper, adding “the best we can do is to keep busy with our domestic affairs.”
Al-Mustaqbal daily quoted wikileaks
cable number 2928 prepared by then-U.S. Ambassador Jeffery Feltman and published by the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon on September 11, 2006 as saying that press reports noted that Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) headed by MP Michel Aoun found a new way to strengthen their cooperation by funding the reconstruction of the South.
The cable added that media outlets displayed reports and pictures showing FPM and Hezbollah members handing large sums of money to citizens.
According to the cable, if these rumors turn out to be true, then the FPM would be guilty of conspiracy to fund a terrorist operation, given the involvement of funds linked to Hezbollah.
The cable stressed that Aoun was mainly focusing on three issues; the first was to topple the government of Fouad Siniora, the second to undermine the majority (March 14 parties) and the third to fulfill his personal dream of becoming president.
Islamic Group MP Imad el Hout told Al-Liwaa daily that the spiritual Christian-Muslim summit proves that relations between Dar El Fatwa and the Future movement are not strained and are on the right track.
The daily quoted Hout as saying: “All Lebanese Muslim components, not only the Future movement and Dar El Fatwa, should be on good terms”, adding that the calls being made at the summit aim at ensuring that the situation returns to normal and maintaining positive relations between Dar El Fatwa and different Muslim groups.
A member of the Future parliamentary bloc told Al Akhbar daily that the bloc will vote against any draft law regarding the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) if submitted by any MP affiliated to Jumblatt or Mikati.
The local daily quoted the MP as saying that the decision made by the Future bloc is final, holding MP Najib Mikati responsible for the STL’s funding.