Lebanon DM opposes integration Hezbollah arms with LAF

Lebanon’s Defense Minister Elias al-Murr told Al-Manar television on Monday that he does not support integrating the arms of the Resistance within the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
“There are some [Lebanese] annoyed by [the existence of] Hezbollah’s arms, and I could be one of them,” he said, adding, “However, this does not mean we should offer Israel a favor [and disarm Hezbollah].” (more…)

Jumblatt questions the aim of criticism against president Suleiman

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt said in his weekly article in Al-Anbaa newspaper,that he does not understand the aim of the criticism campaign against Lebanese President Michel Suleiman. (more…)

Phalange: The campaign against the presidnet aims at disrupting the institutions

Following its meeting at the Saifi headquarters the Lebanese Phalange party issued a statement in which it said “the planned campaigns being waged against President Michel Suleiman, are not aimed at unseating him, but to disrupt the constitutional institutions and influence the president’s decisions. “

Syria using the camps as an excuse to return to Lebanon

Syria is reportedly using the security situation at the Palestinian refugee camps as an excuse to return to Lebanon.

Al-Akhbar newspaper , which carried the report, said Syria, Lebanon as well as some Palestinian figures have received several messages from the West warning against the outburst of violence in refugee camps in Lebanon.

The messages , according to Al-Akhbar , have demanded that Syria help contain the situation in Lebanon refugee camps. (more…)

Iraq election front-runners reach out for possible allies

With the complete results in Iraq’s election just days away, there were signs Monday the two front runners were reaching out to other political parties, signaling the start of the jockeying to form the next ruling coalition. (more…)

U.S. House passes historic healthcare overhaul

Ending the Democrats’ decades-long quest to create a healthcare safety net to match Social Security, the House of Representatives on Sunday night approved sweeping legislation to guarantee Americans access to medical care for the first time, delivering President Obama the biggest victory of his young presidency. (more…)

Clinton Defends U.S. Criticism of Israeli Plans

Ten days after harshly rebuking the Israeli government for a new housing plan in Jerusalem, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that the Obama administration would push back “unequivocally” when it disagreed with Israeli policies, but that America’s support for Israel was “rock solid, unwavering, enduring, and forever.” (more…)

Saudi , Syria: Libya summit decisions to enhance Arab solidarity

Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal in Damascus on Monday, during which they agreed that it is important for the Arab League Summit—which will be held in the last week of March in Libya—to issue decisions that enhance joint Arab work and solidarity.

(more…)

ET409 crash: Health ministry asked families of victims to receive the death certificates

The health ministry has asked the families of the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines flight ET409 that crashed last January to receive the death certificates of their relatives at Rafik Hariri state hospital starting March 22.

US ambassador praises Suleiman ’s leadership

The US embassy issued a statement that President Michel Suleiman and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michele Sison met Monday at Baabda Palace, where she reiterated her “support for a strong and independent Lebanon” . (more…)