DAILY SCOPE: Transitory Phase in Syria, To Impact Lebanon

Local Editor

NEWSPAPERS' HEADLINES:

AS-SAFIR:

Dreams of the Safwan Family: The Story of Fleeing Lebanon to Nowhere

AL-AKHBAR:

Migration From Lebanon
World Bank: We Did not Threaten Lebanon to Cut Loans, Aid

AL-JOMHOURIA:

Legislative Session Puts Parliamentary Blocs on Alert

AL-BINAA:

After 5 Years...Assad and Putin to End War in 5 Months

Lebanese newspapers on Thursday discussed the different regional and domestic matters, focusing on what the repercussions of Syria's al-Assad to Russia might be. Papers also focused on domestic matters, including the resuming of dialogue between Hizbullah and the Future party.

AL-BINAA: Dialogue Between Hizbullah, Future To Continue

Sources told al-Binaa newspaper that dialogue between Hizbullah and the Future party will continue, but not in the same pace and intensity that was witnessed before. The source added that dialogue today is only gives a sense of stability and reflects positively on security and stability in Lebanon without any remarkable development.

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq had said on Friday that the Future movement might quit the government and the ongoing dialogue if the political deadlock continues in the country.

For his part, Sayyed Nasrallah responded to the statement, underscoring that no one can bestow favors upon Hizbullah for taking part in the dialogue.

"The Future party is a part of the government and they are bestowing this on the Lebanese. So if you feel embarrassed for being within the government; do not feel embarrassed and don't bestow it upon us," Sayyed Nasrallah noted.

AL-AKHBAR: World Bank Will Not Deprive Lebanon from Aid

Al-Akhbar newspaper noted that the regional manager of the World Bank said that removing Lebanon from the list of countries receiving aid is ‘not a matter of discussion."

He stressed that the bank did not send a warning to Lebanon, but rather a message that the proposed projects should be approved by the cabinet; otherwise these might be cancelled in case of procrastination.

Moreover, a source told the paper that as long as the country is paying back its allocated loans, there is no mechanism to remove that country from the list.
Earlier on Wednesday, Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said that the parliamentary paralysis and failure to stipulate loans of the World Bank has pushed the organization to issue a warning that it would exclude Lebanon from its aid list.

The World Bank had approved $600 million worth of soft loans for Lebanon to build several projects, including dams.

AN-NAHAR: Head of French Senate to Visit Lebanon, Focus on Syrian Refugees 

An-Nahar daily reported on Thursday that the Head of the French Senate, Gerard Larcher, is expected to arrive in Lebanon today Thursday to hold talks with several of top officials.

According to the paper, the official is scheduled to meet with Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam and a number of other politicians during his three-day trip.

The French embassy in Beirut stated that the visit is part of the "strong ties of friendship between France, Lebanon, and diplomatic authorities between the two countries."

"This visit is an opportunity to confirm France's support to Lebanon against the challenges it is facing in all domains, especially the matter of sheltering Syrian refugees," reported the daily.

AL-JOMHOURIA: Transitory Phase in Syria, To Impact Lebanon

Al-Jomhouria newspaper questioned whether the visit of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Russia is a sign to the beginning of a transitory phase in Syria that gives the latter a moral guarantee that a political settlement is on the way.

Diplomatic sources revealed to al-Jomhouria three main points in the concerning the settlement that are of importance: the timetable of the phase which is still a matter of disagreement, the executive authority of each party, and finally the Arab and international guarantees required to guard the transitory phase.

The sources also said that the transitory phase in Syria will open the door wide before a transitory phase in Lebanon where a moderate president could be elected and a new electoral law could be made in no more than six months.

President Bashar al-Assad visited Moscow on Tuesday and met with the Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Syrian presidency said on Wednesday.

Both presidents discussed continuing the military operations against terrorism in Syria, the Syrian agency said, noting that the visit came upon an invitation by the Russian strongman.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team