Lebanon breaks its political deadlock (Sydney Morning Herald)
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Syrian-backed opposition groups have finally agreed on a unity government proposed by their pro-Western rivals, ending a four-month deadlock since a general election in June.
Reports: Lebanon’s new cabinet to be formed in two days (People’s Daily)
Lebanese new cabinet will be formed in next two days as the opposition has reportedly agreed on the majority’s portfolios, the local media reported on Saturday. Local newspaper the Daily Star reported on Saturday that both parliamentary and opposition sources claimed Friday that the distribution of portfolios was nearly complete, with only a few details still requiring discussion. The paper said …
Nearly half of Lebanon’s land mines cleared (The Daily Star Lebanon)
When the British ambassador to Lebanon first visited the country’s south, she found something nasty lurking in a fruit orchard.”I first came [to south Lebanon] in November 2006 and we visited an orange grove,” said Frances Guy. “There were still cluster bombs in the trees because [of] the sheer quantity of weapons dropped during the last three days of the war.”
MP Qabbani urges state of emergency over poisoned produce (The Daily Star Lebanon)
The Agriculture Ministry should declare a state of food emergency, said Beirut MP Mohammad Qabbani Sunday, following growing concern about poisoned fruits and vegetables in the local market.Qabbani condemned the chaotic situation in Lebanon and accused the government and the country’s authorities of negligence in supervising agricultural products, calling the phenomenon a “mass” crime.
Hariri set to form new Lebanon government (Middle East Online)
Shiite Hezbollah, its allies agree to Lebanese PM-designate ‘s latest government line-up.
Hizbollah rearms as Middle East tensions grow (The New Zealand Herald)
BEIRUT – Hizbollah is rapidly rearming in preparation for a new conflict with Israel, fearing that Benjamin Netanyahu’s Government will attack Lebanon again before any assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Baroud, Najjar urge adoption of ombudsman (The Daily Star Lebanon)
A top lawmaker and minister have urged the implementation of statute to increase government accountability through the creation of an official watchdog, or ombudsman.Implementing the Ombudsman Law of 2005 would put Lebanon on the level of developed countries, said Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar.
Dar al-Fatwa instigates administrative reforms after media questions integrity (The Daily Star Lebanon)
Lebanon’s highest Sunni authority Dar al-Fatwa, has condemned media campaigns questioning the body’s financial integrity and transparency, as leading Sunni political figures voiced support for the mufti of the Republic and the council’s national role. Following a meeting of the Higher Islamic Sunni Council on Saturday, a statement from Dar al-Fatwa warned against.
