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.
Lebanese Prime Minister stressed that he had accepted his
appointment as Prime Minister in order to protect his country and his people.
In this context, he told
As-Safir Daily that he decided to resign
since he believed that it was the best way to protect the Lebanese state and
the Lebanese people, pointing out that history will judge whether he took the
rightful position or not.
Kataeb party leader Amine
Gemayel said, commenting on Mikati’s resignation, that he had expected such a
step, noting that he knew that “the alliance which was formed was against nature
and had to break one day.”
In a statement to
al-Joumhouria, Gemayel called on all parties to be aware of the seriousness of
the next phase filled with regional and international developments which
repercussions will have an impact on the Lebanese scene. He added that “the most
important role is currently that of President Michel Sleiman who has the duty of
leading the ship to a safe harbor,” calling on all political leaderships to act
wisely and take national positions to prevent dangers from harming Lebanon.
On the other hand,
Change and Reform bloc MP Michel Helo expressed surprise toward PM Mikati’s
resignation, stressing that his position is not justified.
In this context, he noted
that “Mikati was asking the ministers to violate the law and the constitution,
since the legal age for the retirement of officers cannot be amended by a
decree, but through passing a law.”
Helo told the
newspaper that Mikati’s step will drag the country into total paralysis and
constitutional void, pointing out that Mikati’s decision was triggered by many
local and international factors represented by the pressure exerted on him
regarding the issue of the elections.
However, Future bloc
MP Khaled Daher said that Mikati has been patient for so long, noting that he
involved himself in a cabinet that gave him weak representation and which was directly
subject to the Iranian rule and the Syrian interests.
Daher stressed that
Mikati’s initiative was a clear proof that Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic
Movement were violating the constitution, since a parliamentary petition
holding the signatures of at least 68 MPs will be presented to the Parliament
requesting the extension of the term of ISF Commander Ashraf Rifi.
Accordingly, Daher
told
al-Joumhouria that Mikati’s resignation will lead to the postponement of
the elections, stressing that the resignation will serve Mikati’s interests on
the political and electoral levels.
Future bloc MP Ammar Houry revealed that a petition demanding
the extension of the term of ISF chief Ashraf Rifi will be soon presented to
the Parliament’s Speaker, noting that it is expected to be signed by at least
68 deputies, including March 14 MPs and National Struggle Front’s MPs.
“Former MP Saad Hariri is one in charge of contacting Berri,
the ball is now in Berri’s court,” Houry told
an-Nahar Daily.
Minister of State Marwan Kheireddine said that the cabinet implemented
the most important reform project in the country, by approving the ranks and
salaries series, granting the public sector employees their rights through the approval
of funding sources that do not affect the economy’s productivity.
In a statement to
al-Joumhouria Newspaper, Kheireddine noted that the
reforms which were approved on the administrative level will increase the
productivity, stressing that in case these changes were implemented, they will constitute
the most important reform project in the history of the Lebanese Republic.
Former deputy Mustafa Alloush said that as long as the
weapons are spread among the people, clashes will never end in Tripoli. While explaining
that the parties capable of engaging in battles are not willing to extend and
continue the clashes, there are some chaotic elements present in both parties
who work on inciting tension, by attacking innocent civilians.
In this context, Alloush told Acharq al-Awsat that Alawite
citizens were attacked in Tripoli, pointing out that officials from Jabal
Mohsen are voicing threats against the city of Tripoli.