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.
Ministerial sources told
Al-Hayat Daily that the latest cabinet session on Saturday was held amid a tense atmosphere following
the assassination of Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan. The session followed a
meeting between Lebanon top three officials and PSP leader MP Walid Jumblatt
where Mikati stressed that he is not holding on to power.
The sources noted that
Miakti, having not declared his intention to resign, informed
President Michel Sleiman and Speaker Nabih Berri of his inability to continue
as Prime Minister.
On the other hand, the sources
revealed that Mikati told those concerned that the “responsibility of
any security incident is thrown at the government”; however, said that “some
parties are holding him responsible for Hassan’s death while he cannot bear
such blame”.
In a statement to
As-Safir
Newspaper, Mikati said that he did not officially present his resignation to
the President; however, told him that he is ready to quit if an agreement was
reached to form a cabinet of national unity. He expressed his deep regret
towards the current situation, adding that “when he became Prime Minister, he was
planning to protect his people and his country”.
Mikati noted that saving
Lebanon from its ordeal will be the main concern in every step he makes, now
and in the future.
Sources told
al-Joumhouria Newspaper that leader of Progressive
Socialist Party MP Walid Jumblatt is still holding on to his position over the survival
of the cabinet, stressing that “it is impossible to form another cabinet amid
the existing arm controlled power equation”.
The sources quoted Jumblatt as saying that March 14 forces
are calling for the cabinet’s downfall without having any alternative formula,
which places the country on the edge of the abyss.
- Fatfat: cabinet dialogue is impossible
MP Ahmad Fatfat said that “there is no longer room for
dialogue with the cabinet," noting that President Michel Sleiman kicked off his
discussions with all parties, because “what we need is a neutral cabinet”.
In an interview with
al-Mustaqbal Daily, Fatfat explained
that the Future bloc MPs will not participate in the meetings of the
parliamentary committees, noting that intensive discussions are underway with
all parties and allies to reach a comprehensive position in this regard. He
added that they will boycott all the meetings of the committees attended by
ministers.
On the other hand, Fatfat accused the Telecommunications Minister
Nicolas Sehnaoui “of refusing to hand over the Telecom data to the security
forces because he is acting upon orders."
Al-Hayat daily reported that President Michel Sleiman
prefers bilateral consultations with officials instead of
calling on the dialogue committees to hold a session, according to ministerial
sources.
In this regard, the sources attributed the reason of such an initiative to the fact that Sleiman fears that March 14 leaders would boycott the
dialogue session, which will deepen the political division among parties.
The sources revealed that Sleiman will be meeting on Monday
with ambassadors of major countries which are permanent members at the UN
Security Council, after their countries warned of the gravity of a "political void in Lebanon."
Sleiman is currently interested in discussing the stances
taken by the Lebanese officials, especially March 14 leaders, who agreed on
calling for the cabinet’s resignation, the sources added.