’’March 14” Sitcoms Not To Suspend Governmental, Legislative Tracks
The Head of the Lebanese Church got a huge dose of political support in face of “March 14”random campaign on the religious posts.
As the Head of the state firmly responded to the attack against the Maronite Patriarch Bshara Rai, “March 14” continues its sitcom play in the Parliament aiming at proving existence.
Suleiman Supports Patriarch
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman fully backed Thursday Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai against “March 14” critics who lashed out at Rai over his latest statements on Syria and the resistance.
At the center of the escalating storm, Suleiman paid a visit to the patriarch’s
residence.
After a closed meeting with Rai, the president announced the “patriarch’s stances served Lebanon and he did not need anyone to defend him.”
“The patriarch’s visit to France was good, successful and served Lebanon’s interest,” Suleiman stressed.
Suleiman rejected the verbal attacks on Rai by saying “Patriarch Rai does not need anyone to defend him. The discussions that took place in Paris are a proof of the success of the visit. I am sure that the patriarch’s stances are not subject to political exploitation.”
“The patriarch’s stances stem from his important role as being responsible for the Christians in Lebanon and the Levant. He is responsible for maintaining Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty,” Suleiman pointed out.
“He said there is a danger facing Christians in Lebanon and Christians in the Levant. He said there is a plan to partition the Middle East into sectarian mini-states. He said there is an “Israeli” danger represented in repeated attacks and ambitions. He said there is also a danger in resettlement of Palestinians in Lebanon. This is contained in the Constitution,” Suleiman explained.
“President Suleiman’s visit to Diman has provided a political cover for Rai, not only at the domestic level but also at the French level following comments made by France, which pushed the limits of diplomatic etiquette when Ambassador Denis Pieton said his government was disappointed by Rai’s comments and that he will soon visit the patriarch seeking clarification,” “as-Safir” Lebanese newspaper said in its Friday Editorial.
Meanwhile, the patriarch is scheduled to receive Prime Minister Najib Mikati ahead of visiting the Baalbek-Hermel region Saturday and Sunday as part of his tours of the country.
Mikati’s sources informed “as-Safir” that the patriarch’s latest statements would be on the agenda of the talks.
Electricity Bill to Approval despite Minority’s Maneuvers
At another level, the first session of the joint parliamentary committee failed Thursday to result in a finalized electricity bill after opposition deputies did not provide a quorum, leading to the postponement of the meeting until Monday.
According to parliamentary sources, the session was tense from the moment it commenced and seemed to set the stage for an upcoming dispute.
Former PM Fouad Siniora took the floor at the start of the session and explained all of the well known “Future Movement’s” view.
Siniora did not wait to hear the comment of the concerned minister as he immediately left after delivering his speech.
“Following Siniora, opposition MPs left the session one after another until the quorum needed was no longer available,” “al-Akhbar” daily explained.
Head of Loyalty to Resistance Bloc MP Mohammad Raad commented on the political scene by saying that “Hizbullah is facing challenges on several fronts, including the front of Resistance against the “Israeli” enemy, the front of confrontation against the US plan in the region and the front of domestic development.”
However, Sources close to House Speaker Nabih Berri told “as-Safir” daily that “the Monday meeting of the joint committee will be the last, whatever the results.”
“The draft electricity law will then be referred to the General Board which is likely to hold a meeting on Thursday,” the clarified.
In parallel, the Grand Serail is expected to see intensive activity next week with governmental meetings scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
“PM Mikati will also chair the first ministerial committee meeting tasked with amending electricity law 462 in line with the new electricity plan,” “as-Safir” noted.
Salameh: To Preserve Lira
At another level, Lebanese Central Bank governor Riad Salameh uncovered that “Lebanon does not intend to reduce its gold reserves;” predicting that “economic growth will slow down by 2 percent to 3 percent as a result of political instability during the first semester of 2011.”
In an interview with “ad-Diyar” daily, Salameh said that “bank deposits in Lebanon increased by around 4.5 billion $ over the past few months,” clarifying that “the Central Bank is committed to preserving the Lebanese lira’s stability.”
Source: Lebanese newspapers, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org
