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.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati told
An-Nahar Daily on Sunday
that his resignation is “no longer an option at all” since it would mean
that he takes full responsibility for the death of Major General Wissam Hassan.
“Last week, I said that I was not hanging on to power and
that I was ready to resign in order to pave the way for a solution; but the
speech I heard on Sunday made me reconsider my decision”, Mikati said, stressing
that his resignation must lead to a solution, not a crisis.
Mikati said that President Michel Sleiman is proceeding with
his consultations with different political parties in order to hold a national
dialogue. “I am in constant contact with the President in a bid to find a solution to
the status quo”, he added.
- Berri is ready to proceed with forming of a
government of national unity
House Speaker Nabih Berri reiterated his
support for a government of national unity.
Berri criticized the “NOs of the opposition towards the government” and likened them to the “NOs of the 1967 Arab League
Summit held in Khartoum”.
He told
An-Nahar Daily that he is now ready to proceed
with forming a government of national unity.
Berri stressed the need to take the path of
dialogue no matter the differences in points of view between the different
political parties.
Lebanese Forces Chief Samir Geagea announced
that, regardless of political calculations, the assassination of Major General
Wissam Hassan flustered him “since the other party is resorting to violence
from time to time to impose a new status quo.”
In a discussion with journalists and media figures
held in Meerab in the presence of
An-Nahar correspondent, Geagea said that the opposition
is not targeting PM Mikati for his person, “but for the fact that he is the
head of a government dominated by a party considered by the opposition as the perpetrator of the killings.”
Geagea considered that the assassination of
Maj. Gen. Wissam Hassan brings Hezbollah one step closer to taking over the
state.
“We will keep pressuring Mikati until he
resigns no matter what it takes, since his resignation is the only way to topple
the government”, he said, stressing that all movements will be peaceful and
democratic.
Vice-President of Parliament Farid Makari
commented on reports stipulating that the opposition is boycotting
parliamentary sessions and all related meetings held in the presence of the
government in order to keep the 1960s electoral law in force.
“Before accusing us of not wanting a new electoral law, they should
remember that March 14 coalition is now living under the rule of violence,” Makari told
An-Nahar Daily on Sunday.
Makari added “Assassinations are lurking us; who knows who’s turn is it now?”
Makari had announced that he will not call on
the smaller committee tasked with discussing the electoral law to convene since
five of its members are threatened. He urged those charged with ensuring their safety
to call them for a meeting.
- Free Syrian
Army: We are not involved in the detention of Itani; we are working for his
release
The spokesperson
for the Free Syrian Army’s military council, Louay Mokdad, confirmed that the
Free Syrian Army is not involved in the detention of Lebanese journalist Fidaa
Itani, but clarified that they were informed on Friday evening that he was in
the custody of Abu Ibrahim.
“We are in touch
with the kidnappers who have promised to release him”, he said.
Mokdad told
Acharq al Awsat Daily on Sunday that the FSA knew that the rebels who accompanied
him during his stay in Aleppo were annoyed by some of the military operations he
filmed, adding “they preferred to check the video recordings he made after his
work raised their suspicion.”
“We will spare no effort to release him even
though we are not involved in his detention”, he said adding that a Lebanese
party is also working for his release.