ROUND-UP 10-11-2009
At last, intensive Lebanese efforts give birth to a national government; Saad Hariri will now officially take up his duties with the release of the decree of the formation of his government, putting the priority on economy and security.
As-safir
Opening Titles
The agenda: The Damascus visit, a new chapter in domestic ties, putting the priority on economy and security.
After 135 days Saad Hariri is "the boss of the state" with national consensus.
News
Perhaps the government being formed, after the Ministerial Statement and the parliamentary vote of confidence are completed, will be followed by a visit from PM Saad Hariri to Damascus and a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, paving the way for reconciliation and a new era of political relations between the two countries.
PM Hariri reserved the vital Ministry of Economy and Trade for the Future Movement, while he gave MP Michel Aoun's share Telecommunications, Water and Energy, Industry and Tourism which are at the heart of "the economic decision."
Al Akhbar
Titles
A government of both trenches
The formation of the government was a natural birth in Rabieh and a cesarean in Saifi.
News
The formation of the government became easy and somewhat like regular protocol for MP Michel Aoun; before then PM-designate Saad Hariri went to Bkirki in a visit that seemed like an effort to obtain the Maronite Church's blessing and "provisions" in order to facilitate the process of distributing the Christian portfolios within the majority.
PM Hariri presented his view of what consensus means, calling it "cooperation, coordination, participation, sacrifice, modesty and disdain for personal interests," also saying that it means "making the Council of Ministers into a true and effective executive authority."
The opposition candidates who will be part of the committee to form the ministerial statement will reportedly be Mohammed Fneish, Gebran Bassil, Ali al-Shami and Youssef Saadeh unless Hariri decides to make the committee smaller.
Hariri met with ministers Adnan al-Qassar, Jean Ogassapian, Raya al-Hussein, Hassan Mneimneh and Mohammed Rahhal. Sources reported that this meeting was an "acquaintance meeting."
An-nahar
Titles
...Finally, finally, a "government for the sake of Lebanon."
News
PM Saad Hariri was officially given that title yesterday with the release of the decree of the formation of his government. In his "first words" a realistic tone was apparent, while he stated for everyone the formula that will preside over "the government of national consensus."
President Michel Sleiman came out this morning to try and convince MP Boutros Harb to accept the Ministry of Labor. March 14 forces did the same yesterday evening as a broad delegation from the coalition visited the MP.
An-Nahar has learned that the Lebanese Forces' demand for two Orthodox ministers had negative consequences with religious and political officials within that sect, which does not want to be represented by that party.
The continuing hindrance over the Kataeb's demand for the Ministry of Education seems to have become increasingly difficult. A broad meeting of Kataeb members was held last night after which it was reported that former President Amin Gemayel would hold a press conference today announcing the Kataeb's withdrawal from the majority coalition.
An-Nahar has learned that Hariri held a long conversation last night with Gemayel, [in an attempt] to deal with the situation. Sources reported that political and party delegations would make visits today to try and resolve the issues.
