An Event and A regional Tendency

The call made by some British representatives for a dialogue with Hamas movement reflects the climate of the European interactions concerning the release of British journalist Alan Johnston, amid other signs of changes in some European and international stands, which will end the isolation that the Americans tried to impose on Hamas after aborting the coup, which was prepared by General Keith Dayton.
In this climate, one of Fatha distinguished historic leaders, Hani al-Hassan will arrive in the West Bank, while Salam Fayyad’s emergency government announced a comprehensive campaign to chase resistance men and disarm them at a time when Fath fighters participate with Hamas and other factions in confronting Israeli aggressions.
The Saudi precaution from Mahmoud Abbas’s entrenchment and the Egyptian call for dialogue between Fatah and Hamas form a source of increasing anticipations concerning activating the Palestinian file in the coming few weeks. Meanwhile, Washington pressurizes Cairo and Riyadh to delay any solution until Israel finishes testing its new military plan to attack resistance in Gaza.

An Event and a Lebanese Tendency

Debate continues in Lebanon on the possibilities of the next stage amid preparations related to participation in the Paris dialogue forum, while it seems that president Emile Lahoud is determined to take a constitutional measure to terminate the situation if the crisis continues.
As for the opposition call to form a new government it became clear that a comprehensive agreement among the opposition’s sides on the principle is the result of condensed consultations, while discussion is still concentrating on timing. Informed opposition sources said: the opposition sides agreed on details, which will lead to a joint agenda, without closing the door of a possible compromise at any moment before the date of presidential elections, which form a sharp curve in the course of events, especially if the loyals carry out their threats and hold elections with the quorum of the half plus one and under the chairmanship of the parliamentary council’s deputy.
Al-Siniora government tries to get rid of the problem that the patriarchs’ council’s statement referred to, while the loyals, as an opposition leader put it, accept the scandalous US control over al-Siniora government and March 14 alliance.
The leader identified, in a televised talk, the Lebanese priorities, using aggressive language towards Hezbollah, and while he announced Washington’s clinging to communication with Damascus, he stressed the governmental boycott of Syria, and by this he insulted his Lebanese team in a scandalous way.

Lebanese Press

As-Safir said Hezbullah appointed his resigned minister Muhammad Fneish as head of its delegation to Paris meeting.
Al-Akbar said the French envoy to Lebanon Jean-Claude Cousserann was surprised by the size of the majority’s representatives, but it seems that France received a US green light to be open to all the Lebanese sides.
An-Nahra said Hezbollah pledges on a dialogue that moves the country to another stage, pointing out that Samir Geagea proposed on the Liberal national trend an understanding on a presidential candidate.
Press analysts observed a difference between Bkirki’s stand and the ruling team in the aftermath of the patriarchs’ council’s vehement criticisms of the government’s performance.
Head of Hezbollah parliamentary bloc Mohammed Raad stressed that electing a new president for the republic outside the constitutional frameworks is an adventure which will have dangerous consequences.
Mohammed Raad also stressed Hizbollah’s support to the Lebanese army in Nahr al-Bared’s camp’s battle.
The issue of the disappearance of former head of higher Islamic Shia Council in Lebanon Imam Moussa As-Sadr came to the forefront after the judge Sameeh al-Haj’s decision to summon to a hearing session 15 Libyan officials, including Abdul Salam Jallud, Abdul Salam al-Tureki and a former Libyan ambassador to Lebanon.
Some political analysts in the Lebanese press said the recent condensed communications between the opposition’s leaders and president Lahoud revealed that the two sides will not resort now to the option of a second government.
But there are some sides in the opposition which think that foreign and Arab initiatives will not lead to quick results. Therefore, the opposition should take a counter step and impose its participation in the state’s administration.

Arab Press

Arab papers focused on the deterioration of the condition in Palestine, and Israel’s massacres there.
The Emirate paper al-Bayan said releasing the British journalist Alan Johnston serves Palestinian national interests.
Al-Khaleej paper said in its editorial that Bush is isolated from what is going on around him, and his associates are more a ware that their victory is an illusion.
The paper pointed out that this sickness caused a big cost for Iraq and the world.
The Saudi paper Al-Watan said destroying Gaza economy will only strengthen extremist elements.
The Emirate paper Al-Khaleej said Paris changed into an important diplomatic station to the Middle East’s causes.

International Press

German press agency said Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa will visit Saudi Arabia and Syria next Sunday to hold consultations related to development of conditions on Palestinian arena, and ways of activating the peace process.
Press sources in Tehran said Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki made a phone call with his Saudi counterpart Saud al-Faisal related to development of conditions in Palestine and Lebanon, in addition to bilateral relations.
The Iranian paper Hamshari said Washington submitted a list of endless demands to Tehran and spokesperson of the US state department said Washington wants its talks with Iran to lead to changes, but it seems, as he claims, that there are no important changes in Iran’s behavior.
The paper pointed out that the Iranian diplomatic organ should not submit to the foe’s dictations.
Turkish papers quoted foreign minister Abdullah Gül as saying that his country will deal a deadly blow to the alliance with Washington if its supports the PKK, pointing out that Washington escapes coordination and cooperation with Ankara in its war against the PKK members in north Iraq.

Television Stations’ News in Lebanon

Al-Manar said the next stage’s questions are still revolving around the step that Lebanese president will take to liberate the country from its crisis.
The NTV said neither Paris meeting nor Arab initiatives will be able to solve Lebanon’s crisis.
The LBC said the cry of the Patriarch’s statement caused a shock and motivated the loyals and the cabinet to clarify certain data.
The Future TV said the political arena in Lebanon is waiting for the results of Paris dialogue.

Television Stations Interviews in Lebanon

LBC
Program: The People’s Talk
US ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman stressed the need to find a political solution to Hezbullah’s weapons, pointing out that the resolution 1559 is basically Al-Taif agreement in many respects. He added that there is an opportunity for Hezbullah to follow the UN Secretary General’s advice and enter the political process and become a strong political player.
Feltman pointed out that a unity government may be formed before presidential elections and that there are channels between Damascus and Washington.