DAILY SCOPE: ISP Scandal Will Not Yield to Political Pressure, ’Israeli’ Involvement Possible

Local Editor

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AL-AKHBAR:

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AL-JOMHOURIA:

Legislation after Dialogue...Failure of all Attempts to Dismantle Governmental "Mines"

AL-BINAA:

Washington Hampers Joining Kurds to Geneva in UNSC, Yemen Ready for Truce

AD-DIYAR:

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Lebanese newspapers on Thursday followed up on the different domestic files, with the illegal internet scandal topping the list. The dailies also touched on the tour made by France's ambassador to Lebanon Emanuel Bon, who has been hosted by a few Lebanese politicians in a step that precedes the visit of French President Francois Hollande to Lebanon mid-April.

AS-SAFIR: Judiciary will not Yield to Pressure, ISP Scandal Needs Technical Inspection

Acting State Prosecutor Samir Hammoud told As-Safir newspaper that the judiciary will not cover up for anyone involved in the legal cases being investigated in the country, noting that "We will not set a blind eye to any person involved [in the scandals] but at the same time we are keen on issuing our judgement based on proofs and evidences; we do not want to do wrong to anyone."

He assured to the newspaper that he is not under any sort of pressure, reiterating that "the judiciary will seek any person or suspect involved."

Answering a question on the slow pace of work in the judiciary, Hammoud said that there are cases such as the illegal internet scandal that require delicate and technical inspection and investigation.

"I assure the Lebanese people that the judiciary in Lebanon will fulfill its role without being subject to pressures, and will not allow any type of political or sectarian umbrella to protect any of the suspects in these cases," he went on to say.

On a related note, State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Sakr Sakr told As-Safir newspaper that he will not be affected by all the political and media fuss. Sakr vowed that he will hold fair investigations and will not yield to pressure.

Security sources revealed that there is a possibility "Israel" is involved in the illegal internet scandal.

AL-AKHBAR: No "Israeli" Involvement in ISP Scandal So Far

Sources close to the State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Sakr Sakr revealed to al-Akhbar newspaper that so far there has been no evidence that communication took place with the "Israeli" enemy through the illegal internet network, pointing out that investigations are ongoing in the case.

Four internet networks in the Dinnieh highlands in north Lebanon, and Oyoun al-Siman, Faqra and Zaarour in Mount Lebanon were found to be unlicensed and illegal, he had said last week. Fadlallah had pointed out earlier also that some 80 army bases and stations were using the illegal internet networks, not to mention some governmental departments.

Fadlallah, who chairs the committee, said earlier that investigations into the case of illegal ISPs will continue until all perpetrators are brought to justice. "We will confront any attempt to provide a political cover up for perpetrators," he underscored.

AL-JOMHOURIA: French Ambassador Visits Politicians Prior to Hollande's Arrival to Lebanon

French Ambassador to Lebanon Emanuel Bon started a tour of visits to meet politicians and heads of political parties in Lebanon two weeks before the French President Francois Hollande arrives in Beirut. Sources said that Bon took this step to perceive the Lebanese atmosphere and try to understand what the Lebanese people want in their different pending files.

Bon, according to the sources, did not appear to have any information on the details of the visit, or the matters of interest that will be discussed by Hollande upon his arrival to Lebanon.

During his visit to head of the Phalanges party Sami Gemayel, Bon was keen on asking him questions on the different regional and domestic issues including the presidential deadlock and the paralysis of the government.

On another note, sources expressed fears to al-Jomhouria that the coming ministerial session might be a "stormy" one on the different levels, adding that a few projects suggested might be a source of tension between the ministers in the cabinet.

Ministerial sources also told the newspaper that some ministers will demand that the state security issue should top the agenda, especially after the promises of Prime Minister Tamam Salam to give it priority among the other files.

Source: al-Ahed News