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.
Al-Mustaqbal Daily said on Sunday that PM Najib Mikati did not present
his resignation to the Lebanese President, but instead asked of the appropriate
measures that should be taken.
For his turn the President said that he will be meeting with the National
Dialogue poles to discuss those measures.
Separately, sources in the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) confirmed that the
party will participate widely in the funeral of Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan on
Sunday.
Official sources revealed to
Al-Hayat newspaper that intensive contacts took place on Friday night between Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the Head of
the National Struggle Front MP
Walid Jumblatt whereby MP Jumblatt opposed the PM’s resignation.
Sources mentioned that contacts with the President were limited.
- A professional group carried out al-Hassan’s
assassination
A security source said to
Acharq al-Awsat newspaper that the assassination of Gen. Wissam Hassan suggests that a professional
organization, not less than 20 persons, carried out
the crime.
The sources
mentioned that more than one bombed car might have been equipped for such a crime and placed
in other roads that al-Hassan was expected to follow.
- March 8 rejects referring al-Hassan’s assassination to the STL
Sources said to
Al-Hayat newspaper that the Ministers of Hezbollah and March
8 opposed referring the assassination of the Head of the ISF Information Branch General Wissam Hassan to the
Special Tribunal of Lebanon, and did not easily accept transferring the data of
information to security apparatuses to continue the investigations.
The sources mentioned that Hezbollah insisted on keeping the current cabinet
and refused the resignation of PM Najib Mikati.
The Daily said that starting Monday President Sleiman will be holding
consultations with the National Dialogue Poles, especially with March 14 forces
to know their opinion regarding the formula of an alternative cabinet.
The State Prosecutor Judge Hatem Madi said on Sunday that investigations are
taking place regarding the assassination of Gen. Hassan and security apparatuses are gathering information as well as criminal
and investigation evidence.
Talking to
Acharq al-Awsat newspaper,
Judge Madi said that he is following up the investigation that the Information
Branch is performing and pointed out that
other security agencies
are following other important aspects of the investigation such
as knowing the type of the bombed car, lifting fingerprints, as well as
conducting necessary investigations.
Judge Madi assured that security apparatuses began collecting surveillance
cameras installed on buildings surrounding the scene.
Deputy Ammar Houri said on Sunday that the assassination of Gen. Hassan
is a cumulative subject that started since the assassination of Former PM Rafik
Hariri.
He pointed out that the Syrian regime did not stop its crimes and
assassinated Gen. Hassan because he revealed the crimes of Michel Samaha, Ali
Mamlouk, and Bouthaina Shaaban.
Talking to
As-Siyasa newspaper Houri called for the resignation of the
Cabinet and stressed that political life after this assassination will be
different.