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.
According to
Al-Hayat newspaper, Speaker Nabih Berri told his
visitors in a closed meeting that neither he nor Hezbollah support any
decision to overthrow the current government.
Al-Hayat added that both Amal Movement and Hezbollah denied
having told PM Mikati that their decision on the Special Tribunal for
Lebanon’s funding is decisive. Berri told PM Najib Mikati on Saturday
that the tribunal’s funding should be discussed first in the cabinet so
it can be part of next year’s budget even if it is known that its
funding law will not be voted on.
Asked about the possibility to fund the STL through a draft law
presented to the parliament directly Berri said “Why would I mind that
if it is the majority’s decision?”
“But don’t forget that it is not that easy as the legislative power has a
say in such an issue”.
According to
Al-Hayat the head of the General Confederation of
Lebanese Workers (CGTL) Ghassan Ghosn said that a delegation from the
confederation met with PM Najib Mikati to discuss the16% raise on the
salaries.
Ghosn told the newspaper that the CGTL insists to raise the minimum
wages up to 1250000 LBP with additional proportional raises depending on
the salaries. In details the CGTL requested an additional 60% raise on
the salaries ranging between 1000LBP-1 million LBP, an additional 40%
raise on the salaries ranging between 1 million LBP-2 million LBP and an
additional 20% raise on the salaries ranging from 2 million LBP and
above.
The CGTL asked for a 16000 LBP to be included in the daily
transportation instead of 8000 LBP. Ghosn pointed out that the
discussions with PM Mikati and the cabinet to reach an agreement on
wages adjustment before next Wednesday’s workers protest.
Sources close to the head of the National Struggle Front MP Walid
Jumblatt told
Al-Mustaqbal newspaper that the Druze leader will
have turning point stances on Sunday during an oath ceremony for new
Progressive Socialist Party members in Choueifat.
The sources added that Jumblatt strongly supports funding the Special
Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), pointing out that this issue will be the
core of his speech today.
Al-Mustaqbal newspaper published on Sunday Wikileaks cable 1764,
issued by the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon saying that the Free Patriotic
Movement’s (FPM) leader Michel Aoun warned U.S officials from
Hezbollah’s reaction if he will not for presidency anymore adding that
the Party will use all means to slow any government formation process.
The cable added that Aoun justifies his alliance his Hezbollah as a way
to reduce its power and popularity, stressing that his political move
was misunderstood and said “maybe I did not convince my people and I
take full responsibility of my actions”.
“Hezbollah recognize me as the only Christian leader although they don’t
owe me anything; I was the founder of March 14 forces and I was forced
to be part of March 8”, Aoun was quoted as saying.
According to
Al-Anbaa Kuwaiti Newspaper mediators are trying to
“fix the line” between Dar el Fatwa and the former PM Fouad Seniora. In
this regard the statement of the Supreme Islamic Council reflected these
talks as it mentioned the vital role of Dar el Fatwa and stressed the
need for a political support in order to preserve this role.