Suleiman for Democracies without Blood, Mikati: Nasrallah’s STL Statement Positive

They carried up their papers and their files into ancient Damascus.

They are brothers of blood and identity. Therefore, it was necessary that the land speaks and people declare:

We are here, and will stay loyal to the homeland, the resistance, and the leadership.

The hospitable Sham announced it and into the sky the flag raised and on the ground rocked the vow and in the heart patriotism lays.

Syria came out to welcome its guests and into the closed rooms penetrated the voice of millions settling all controversial debate "People want Bashar al-Assad".

AL's Initiative in Damascus

Around two million Syrian citizens on Wednesday gathered in the Umayyad Square, Damascus downtown, under the slogan "Long Live the Homeland and Its Leader...Syrian People are One Family."

Similarly, in Hasaka governorate, tens of thousands of people rallied in support of the national independent decision, rejecting all forms of foreign interference.
Participants in this activity swore loyalty to Syria's dignity, stressing adherence to the reform program led by al-Assad.

Meanwhile, the Arab Ministerial delegation, headed by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jasem bin Jabr Al Thani met the Syrian President.

In a statement to journalists following the meeting, Sheikh Hamad described the meeting with "as long, frank, serious held within a cordial atmosphere," saying "we are happy to meet President al-Assad."

Referring to another meeting to be held between the Arab Committee and the Syrian government in Damascus or on the sidelines of the Peace Initiative Committee Conference in Doha, Hamad unveiled that "we have agreed on some points, but there were other points that need more discussion."

"What is hoped is that the violence will end, a dialogue will start and reforms will be achieved," Arab League Secretary-General Nabil al-Araby said of the delegation, which is led by Qatar and includes Egypt, Algeria, Oman, Sudan and Yemen.

"As-Safir" Lebanese daily informed that "both sides were keen to invest more time in the study of the perspective of the other party."

"The Arab delegation listened to the Syrian assessment of the current crisis and the Syrian side requested time to answer some of the requirements of the Arab delegation, particularly those that require institutions and specialists," the paper added.

Suleiman: Democracy without Blood

At the internal Lebanese scene, Lebanese president Michel Suleiman called for democratic changes in the region but without bloodshed.

"Democracy should be achieved through peaceful means," he stressed.

In an interview with "an-Nahar" Lebanese daily, Suleiman noted that "the US and Western countries in general shouldn't have different standards on democracies."
Commenting on House Speaker Nabih Berri's call for re-launching national dialogue at Baabda palace, the president said that "his invitation for the all-party talks is still standing."

"Let's see what Speaker Berri has," he said.

On his way back from Saudi Arabia, the Lebanese President reiterated his position from funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

"This option is in Lebanon's interest and let us continue consultations in this regard," "an-Nahar" quoted the President.

Gov't to Meet, Mikati: Nasrallah's STL Statement Positive

In another context, Berri called Wednesday for a legislative session on Nov. 2 to discuss draft laws and law proposals on Parliament's agenda.

The National News Agency reported Wednesday that Berri will chair a meeting for Parliament's General Secretariat Thursday to discuss issues related to the session.

During the weekly meeting, Berri also discussed the current developments in Lebanon and the region with lawmakers, expressing interest in the Arab League delegation's visit to Damascus Wednesday.

Berri said that the path of reform had begun in Syria and he stressed the need for increased dialogue there.

Berri also warned against plots that target the Palestinian cause and are aimed at establishing an "untenable state," contrary to the aspirations and rights of the Palestinian people to build an independent state with "al-Quds" as its capital.

In parallel, the Lebanese government is to meet Thursday with 86 items agenda after delaying Tuesday session as no quorum was available.

"As-Safir" reported that "the Lebanese University full-time teachers' strike will be present at the ministerial meeting that will discuss ideas achieving the minimum demands filed."

"This result was the product of consultations between Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Minister of Education Hassan Diab on one hand and the Association of Professors on the other hand," the daily clarified.

Concerning the STL funding, "al-Liwaa" newspaper reported that Mikati viewed "positive signs" in the Secretary General of Hizbullah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's statement regarding the STL.

"Nasrallah has not closed the door on discussions and his position was positive," the source quoted Mikati as saying.

For its part, "as-Safir" mentioned that Mikati's sources stressed that "he will not be an "obstacle" facing the STL."

"Amending the protocol can't be achieved without carrying Lebanon's commitments towards the tribunal first," they claimed.

Source: Lebanese newspapers, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org