McCain Discusses Syria in Lebanon, EDL Contractor Workers’ File Unsolved
Siraj Kobeissy
While Lebanon seeks its way through the political, security, and social merits, a suspicious visitor came along to increase the Lebanese stress. US Senator John McCain arrived in Lebanon to express his concern over the Syrian situation; and call for a "safe zone to be established in North Lebanon for the Syrian opposition".
With his visit, the security situation in Akkar once again burst into flames after a couple of calm days.
The Lebanese major dailies tackled these issues along with other local affairs.
McCain's Visit; Bad Omen for Lebanon
As-Safir daily believed that only a few hours after US Senator John McCain's suspicious call to set up a "safe zone" for the Syrian opposition, and to arm and train all those fighting for freedom in Syria, the Akkar region witnessed an armed deployment and cutting of roads.
This rebellious atmosphere was caused by a military judiciary decision to release three commanders and a number of army soldiers, accused of involvement in Sheikh Ahmad Abdul Wahhab and his companion's killing incident.
On its part, al-Akhbar daily mentioned that until Thursday night, gunshots were still heard in neighborhoods across the Akkar- Tripoli region, especially at checkpoints installed by armed groups who did not allow people to cross them.
Also, commenting on McCain's visit, al-Jomhouriyah newspaper indicated according to sources, that McCain's tour was more of an enquiring tour than a traditional political one. The daily added that Senator McCain sought to take a view on the Lebanese updated stances since his last visit to Beirut last May, during which he roamed the Lebanese-Syrian borders, to know what the Lebanese leaders say regarding the happenings in Syria.
Also, the Lebanese daily indicated that McCain will be visiting Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Friday, after he visited Army Commander Jean Qahwaji, and Head of Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea, accompanied with US Ambassador in Lebanon Maura Connelly.
Berri Keen on Political Stability
Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri believed that the true target is the Parliament and the constitution. In an interview with al-Jomhouriya newspaper, Berri recalled the discussions of the latest parliamentary session, stating that what appear to be the problem are the [electricity daily workers] and the treasury. He confirmed that what happened will not lead to any new political alliances.
Moreover, he said that he didn't respond to any stances and attitudes, as he is concerned to tackle the disputes in a way that serves the country at this stage, which requires everyone to hold full responsibility.
EDL Contractor Workers' File Remains Unsolved
Regarding the issue of the Lebanese electricity contractor workers, which is still unsolved in anyway whatsoever, as-Safir daily indicated that this issue has headed towards two parallel lines; the first is "illustrative", represented by the action of Free Patriotic Movement officials, Gibran Bassil and MP Ibrahim Kanaan.
As for the second, according to the daily, it is "escalating", as March 14 sought to volatilize the parliament board meeting which was supposed to convene on Thursday.
Furthermore, the daily referred, according to Change and Reform Bloc sources, that the President understood what was discussed by Bassil and Kanaan, as did the Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai, who expressed content regarding the ongoing action. Al-Rai further stressed the importance of contact, not only between Christians, but it should expand to include all spectrums of the Lebanese society.
On its part, al-Akhbar daily believed that the repercussions of the electricity contractor workers' draft law will not stop at what they reached so far. The daily asserted that after the crisis reached its peak, new indications that the almost annulled contact between the government's allies will be restored on Friday, after Hizbullah and Change and Reform MPs made a step forward in this regard.
The daily further noted that Head of Change and Reform bloc, MP Michel Aoun is expected to receive a Hizbullah delegation on Friday in order to seek a solution for the current crisis.
Source: Lebanese Newspapers, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org
While Lebanon seeks its way through the political, security, and social merits, a suspicious visitor came along to increase the Lebanese stress. US Senator John McCain arrived in Lebanon to express his concern over the Syrian situation; and call for a "safe zone to be established in North Lebanon for the Syrian opposition".
With his visit, the security situation in Akkar once again burst into flames after a couple of calm days.
The Lebanese major dailies tackled these issues along with other local affairs.
McCain's Visit; Bad Omen for Lebanon
As-Safir daily believed that only a few hours after US Senator John McCain's suspicious call to set up a "safe zone" for the Syrian opposition, and to arm and train all those fighting for freedom in Syria, the Akkar region witnessed an armed deployment and cutting of roads.
This rebellious atmosphere was caused by a military judiciary decision to release three commanders and a number of army soldiers, accused of involvement in Sheikh Ahmad Abdul Wahhab and his companion's killing incident.
On its part, al-Akhbar daily mentioned that until Thursday night, gunshots were still heard in neighborhoods across the Akkar- Tripoli region, especially at checkpoints installed by armed groups who did not allow people to cross them.
Also, commenting on McCain's visit, al-Jomhouriyah newspaper indicated according to sources, that McCain's tour was more of an enquiring tour than a traditional political one. The daily added that Senator McCain sought to take a view on the Lebanese updated stances since his last visit to Beirut last May, during which he roamed the Lebanese-Syrian borders, to know what the Lebanese leaders say regarding the happenings in Syria.
Also, the Lebanese daily indicated that McCain will be visiting Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Friday, after he visited Army Commander Jean Qahwaji, and Head of Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea, accompanied with US Ambassador in Lebanon Maura Connelly.
Berri Keen on Political Stability
Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri believed that the true target is the Parliament and the constitution. In an interview with al-Jomhouriya newspaper, Berri recalled the discussions of the latest parliamentary session, stating that what appear to be the problem are the [electricity daily workers] and the treasury. He confirmed that what happened will not lead to any new political alliances.
Moreover, he said that he didn't respond to any stances and attitudes, as he is concerned to tackle the disputes in a way that serves the country at this stage, which requires everyone to hold full responsibility.
EDL Contractor Workers' File Remains Unsolved
Regarding the issue of the Lebanese electricity contractor workers, which is still unsolved in anyway whatsoever, as-Safir daily indicated that this issue has headed towards two parallel lines; the first is "illustrative", represented by the action of Free Patriotic Movement officials, Gibran Bassil and MP Ibrahim Kanaan.
As for the second, according to the daily, it is "escalating", as March 14 sought to volatilize the parliament board meeting which was supposed to convene on Thursday.
Furthermore, the daily referred, according to Change and Reform Bloc sources, that the President understood what was discussed by Bassil and Kanaan, as did the Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai, who expressed content regarding the ongoing action. Al-Rai further stressed the importance of contact, not only between Christians, but it should expand to include all spectrums of the Lebanese society.
On its part, al-Akhbar daily believed that the repercussions of the electricity contractor workers' draft law will not stop at what they reached so far. The daily asserted that after the crisis reached its peak, new indications that the almost annulled contact between the government's allies will be restored on Friday, after Hizbullah and Change and Reform MPs made a step forward in this regard.
The daily further noted that Head of Change and Reform bloc, MP Michel Aoun is expected to receive a Hizbullah delegation on Friday in order to seek a solution for the current crisis.
Source: Lebanese Newspapers, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org
