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.
An-Nahar daily reported Friday that Lebanon has received an official
notification from the U.N. and the STL to pay its share of the Tribunal’s
costs, but not through the Finance Ministry as recently expected, rather
through the prime minister and Foreign Ministry.
The daily also learned that PM Najib Mikati had received, by the end of
last month, a message from U.N. Chief Ban Ki-Moon according to which Lebanon
must pay its share of the STL costs in a period of time that does not exceed
two or three months.
It was reported that Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour was the first to
receive the message before forwarding it to the prime minister.
As-Safir daily quoted Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas on Friday as saying
that “we will not reach a deadlock with regard to the General Federation of
Labor Unions’ request to raise the minimum wage”, adding that the price index
committee is pressing on with its work and will hold an essential meeting on
Friday.
Nahhas added that “we are not seeking to reach specific numbers in terms
of wages but to change this 20-year-old economic system.”
Commenting on General Federation of Labor Unions’ withdrawal from the
price index committee, Nahhas said “the Labor Union wanted to express its
opposition to the state budget bill. We already know the position of Lebanon’s
political parties on the bill. Regardless, we will act on our conviction and
the cabinet has the final say in the matter.”
An-Nahar daily quoted Head of General Federation of Labor Unions (CGTL)
Ghassan Ghosn on Friday as saying that “the federation withdrew from the price
index committee after realizing that discussions are going around in circles.”
Ghosn highlighted the union’s opposition to the tax-related articles in
the budget, adding that “PM Najib Mikati is responsible for clearing the mines
of the state budget and removing all unjust articles, especially those that are
highly detrimental to citizens and which impose taxes contravening the
ministerial statement.”
Ghosn voiced hope that a solution will be reached before October 12,
when the strike is scheduled to take place.
On the other hand, Ghosn confirmed that the 2012 state budget bill did not
deviate from the political framework of the previous governments, especially
considering that it stipulates a VAT of 10-12% and yet another increase in
gasoline prices.
“The worst thing is that this
bill will reduce late penalties for civil servants by 90%”, which would equate
them with those who pay their contributions on a regular basis,” he added.
Al-Liwaa
daily quoted sources close to Hezbollah on Friday as saying that “Hezbollah has
not taken yet an official position on the STL to give Mikati room to maneuver”,
adding that “funding the STL implies that we recognize it”
The sources
stressed that “Hezbollah’s tacit position does not mean that the party approves
of the solutions that are being mulled over.”
Asked about
the repercussions such a position may have on the cabinet’s unity, the sources
responded that, “For Hezbollah, the cabinet is not as important as the
confrontation with the STL.”
March 8
ministerial sources voiced discontent on Friday over attempts to sensationalize
Syrian tanks crossing into Lebanon “by tens of meters”, adding that “we wish
that this party, that claims keenness on the country’s sovereignty, would utter
one word before Israel’s daily violation of the Lebanese sovereignty, abduction
of Lebanese citizens and threats to take actions should Lebanon uphold its
rights to offshore resources.”
Acharq al
Awsat quoted the sources as saying that “it is regrettable that this party does
not take Israel as a foe but sees Syria as a sworn enemy, whose tanks
infiltrating the Lebanese border was described as a violation of Lebanon’s
sovereignty.”
“It became
clear that this party is seeking to get more involved in the events in Syria
and is now betting on the fall of the Syrian regime,” they added.