MIDEAST MONEY-Syrian refugees burden and benefit for Lebanese economy

alertnet 17-APR-13

Geagea: Tammam Salam’s nomination is “made in Lebanon”

yalibnan 05-APR-13

Abduction illustrates UN vulnerability in Syria

news 07-MAR-13

Lebanon: UK increases financial assistance to STL, Syrian refugees

reliefWeb 22-FEB-13

Bahrain says arrests eight on "terror-related" charges

news 17-FEB-13

Lebanon PM praises security forces’ role in Tripoli

nowlebanon 07-DEC-12

Syria: Second day without communication amid clashes near Damascus airport

euronews 01-DEC-12

Serzh Sargsyan: Who else, if not me?

a1plus 28-NOV-12

Prime Minister greets Lebanese counterpart on Independence Day

app 22-NOV-12

Lebanese president orders arrest of suspects in Sidon clash

yalibnan 12-NOV-12

British PM broaches 'safe passage' for al-Assad

cnn 06-NOV-12

Lebanese PM says resignation ‘out of the question’

yalibnan 28-OCT-12

Multi-faith Lebanon should be model for Middle East: pope

news 15-SEP-12

Pope to visit Lebanon

euronews 13-SEP-12

Kidnapped Turkish hostage back home after release

nowlebanon 12-SEP-12

Lebanon fears a firestorm as old rifts that led to civil war open up again

guardian 26-AUG-12

Prominent Syria artists detained for dissent

aljazeera 25-AUG-12

Eight dead in Lebanon street battles over Syria

news 22-AUG-12

Deadly Syria-linked clashes hit Lebanon's Tripoli

news 21-AUG-12

Policeman killed in PKK attack in eastern Turkey

xinhuanet_en 18-AUG-12

Syrian rebels claim strike on Damascus

cnn 15-AUG-12

Jalili Arrives in Beirut, Calls for Intense Joint Efforts to Preserve Regional Stability

naharnet 06-AUG-12

Lebanon president reiterates disassociation policy towards Syrian events

xinhuanet_en 04-AUG-12

Damascus blast hits senior Assad officials

aljazeera 19-JUL-12

Palestinian PM urges Arabs to send promised cash

news 08-JUL-12

What now for Morsi, Egypt?

cnn 25-JUN-12

Putin stands firm on Syria crisis

phantis 02-JUN-12

Lebanese Pilgrims Kidnapped in Syria Are Released

IHT 25-MAY-12

Syrian rebels deny kidnapping Lebanese pilgrims

euronews 23-MAY-12

Threat of new rebel Lebanese army as tensions grow over killing of Sunni clerics

independent 21-MAY-12

UN warns al-Qaeda behind Syrian car bombings

euronews 19-MAY-12

[-said]: If centrism applies to anyone then it's me... Ever since I presumed the tasks of the speaker, I tried to communicate with all parties and I have always sought to mend ties to achieve consensus,

naharnet 14-MAY-13

[-said]: This is illogical,

naharnet 14-MAY-13

[-said]: I exerted efforts to convince the March 8 coalition to name Salam for the premiership, I expect him to treat me with the same trust I gave him in order to end the obstacles confronting the formation of his cabinet,

naharnet 14-MAY-13

[-added]: Ever since I assumed the tasks of the speaker, I have tried to communicate with all parties and I always sought to achieve consensus,

dailystar 14-MAY-13

[-said]: The announcement of a de facto cabinet ahead of Wednesday's parliamentary session will have negative repercussions on it and will end the possibility of reaching consensus over a new electoral law,

naharnet 13-MAY-13

[-stated]: The protocol and constitutional norms requires that I head to the Baabda Palace to be informed about the cabinet formation... If it was adequate I voice agreement but if it was disappointing I will give the appropriate advice and will let the parliament play its role in the matter,

naharnet 13-MAY-13

[-said]: The Orthodox draft-law will be the only proposal put up for a vote,

naharnet 13-MAY-13

[-said]: The neutrality we want cannot be taken from the principles of Austrian neutrality or one that reflects a foreign country’s will,

dailystar 11-MAY-13

[-told]: Those centrists want a large share of the 24-member cabinet... Maybe I should start classifying myself as a centrist,

naharnet 08-MAY-13

[-said]: They have to choices either agree on a consensual electoral law or vote on a draft-law,

naharnet 08-MAY-13

[-said]: I don’t know if they [centrists] will accept me in the centrist club, especially since I maintain good relations with everyone,

dailystar 08-MAY-13

[-said]: Until now, there isn't any law,

naharnet 05-MAY-13

[-has said]: The elections might be postponed to the spring of 2014.

lebanonews 03-MAY-13

[-stated]: We can extend the term of the parliament technically for few months until the Interior Ministry finishes preparations for the polls based on the law we adopt,

lebanonews 29-APR-13

[-told]: I advise different groups not to waste their time... I will not call for a session to end the dispute over the electoral law ahead of the one set on May 15,

lebanonews 29-APR-13

[-added]: If we reached the deadline without any consensus on the electoral law, lawmakers will have to attend a marathon session day and night until we agree on it,

lebanonews 26-APR-13

[-said]: I began contacting the representatives of the foes participating in the subcommittee as it is crucial to reach an electoral law ahead of the parliamentary session set on May 15,

lebanonews 26-APR-13

[-told]: I fear that differences will mount inside Parliament. That’s why it is more useful that all parties revise their stances and resume subcommittee meetings,

almanar 24-APR-13

[-said]: Those dreaming of reviving the 1960 law will continue to dream, because there will be no return to the 1960 law,

almanar 24-APR-13

[-said]: Those who are dreaming of the return to the 1960 law will keep dreaming,

naharnet 24-APR-13

[-told]: This linkage is not accurate because any progress in the government [formation] helps in the birth of the elections law, and vice versa,

dailystar 19-APR-13

[-said]: I refuse this type of analysis,

dailystar 19-APR-13

[-said]: Achieving any progress in the formation of the government will have a positive impact on us and would facilitate reaching an agreement on the electoral law and vice versa,

naharnet 19-APR-13

[-said]: The constitution is clear regarding the representation in the government,

naharnet 19-APR-13

[-told]: During the session, lawmakers will eat, drink and sleep and will not leave Parliament before reaching a new [electoral] law,

dailystar 17-APR-13

[-told]: We have always advocated the abolishment of sectarianism in Lebanon. Today we're in a pressing need to abolish it all across the Arab region,

nna 16-APR-13

[-said]: By passing this draft law, I am buying one month, during which I will try to achieve consensus on an electoral law,

dailystar 11-APR-13

[-added]: If we fail to agree on a law, I tell you from now that I will convene a session a month from now in order to pass a consensual electoral law. Even if we have to sleep in Parliament [to reach an agreement],

dailystar 11-APR-13

[-said]: The Development and Liberation bloc has decided to nominate Tammam Salam at the head of a consensual nationalist government,

yalibnan 05-APR-13

[said:]: It is a new page; everyone should cooperate for the future of Lebanon.

almanar 05-APR-13

[said:]: The Development and Liberation bloc has decided to nominate MP Tammam Salam to head a consensual national government.

naharnet 05-APR-13

[-said]: Prioritize restoring unity and harmony among the Palestinian because it is the strongest weapon that can be used to confront the enemy, and the only means to fulfill the national aspirations of the Palestinian people,

dailystar 03-APR-13

[-said]: If during the binding parliamentary consultations the president asked me who will be my nominee, I will first ask him about the nature of the cabinet that will be formed,

naharnet 29-MAR-13

[-said]: The 1960 law is dead and the major sign of its death is the non-formation of the authority that will supervise the polls that is stipulated in article 11 of the law,

naharnet 29-MAR-13

[-told]: If it is a cabinet (tasked) with holding the elections, then the prime minister-designate would have certain specifications,

naharnet 29-MAR-13

[-told]: together at the national dialogue table limits tension and helps calm the security situation,

naharnet 26-MAR-13

[-told]: The resumption of the dialogue has become urgent and necessary to study how the parliamentary elections could be held and the new government formed,

iol 25-MAR-13

[-said]: The way is open for the resumption of dialogue under the auspices of President (Michel) Suleiman,

naharnet 24-MAR-13

[-told]: The polls are in danger over the security situation,

naharnet 15-MAR-13

[-also warned]: needs political reassurance that brings a favorable security (situation) and helps the elections take place.

almanar 15-MAR-13

[-warned]: The deterioration of the security situation will lead to major repercussions on all levels,

nna 13-MAR-13

[said:]: The rate should be 100 percent because it is vital for the elections to take place.

naharnet 11-MAR-13

[-reported]: This proposal wasn't my option either and I was betting that the joint committees would reach agreement on a hybrid draft-law,

lebanonews 10-MAR-13

[-said]: We have three-and-a-half months until the elections, which will be held on June 9. We have sufficient time to agree on a new electoral law if all foes were ready,

naharnet 09-MAR-13

[-told]: I read in an American newspaper that Lebanon has turned into a place for Jihad for Al-Qaeda and regardless of what I have read, all signs on the ground confirm this,

albawaba 06-MAR-13

[-added]: If I didn't swiftly call for a parliamentary session once they agree, then they should hold me accountable,

naharnet 05-MAR-13

[-pointed out]: All the timeframes set by this law have no importance or value, and I am not concerned with them,

naharnet 05-MAR-13

[-stated]: I will not allow for anyone to decide what my role is,

naharnet 05-MAR-13

[-told]: Just take a look at the very worrying security situation,

naharnet 04-MAR-13

[-said]: If these measures are not implemented, it will backfire on the government and it will be committing suicide,

dailystar 01-MAR-13

[-said]: The security situation is dangerous. Measures which the Higher Defense Council and the Cabinet agreed to implement are not bad; they might even be good, but the test lies in implementation,

dailystar 01-MAR-13

[ said]: It's time to set up an unconfessional national council, along with preserving parity. Enough of presenting, since 1948, confessional laws violating the Constitution,

nna 27-FEB-13

[-asked]: If the security and military forces are incapable of protecting Lebanese citizens then why are we paying them their salaries?

dailystar 27-FEB-13

[ said]: The security situation in the country has reached unbearable levels, especially with the surge of kidnappings,

dailystar 27-FEB-13

[-said]: If the security and military forces are incapable of safeguarding the Lebanese then why are we paying them their salaries? Every Lebanese then would protect himself,

naharnet 27-FEB-13

[-warned]: The proposal has become a point of contention, that's why I will save everyone's time and say: You have neither accepted it, nor submitted a proposal that enjoys consensus, and once again we must choose between the Orthodox Gathering law and Article 22 of the Constitution,

naharnet 27-FEB-13

[-added]: Since 1948 until now, we have been proposing unconstitutional, sectarian laws and that must stop,

naharnet 27-FEB-13

[-told]: If the security chaos remains the same, the polls will be definitely postponed,

naharnet 27-FEB-13

[-added]: Several investors informed me that they intend to leave the country if the situation remains the same,

naharnet 27-FEB-13

[-said]: It is known that the joint (parliamentary) committees had set a final 15-day deadline for consensus over the electoral law, and if no consensus is reached, it will immediately start discussing the Orthodox Gathering electoral law,

naharnet 27-FEB-13

[-added]: On the other hand, a higher number of MPs elected according to the winner-takes-all system would serve March 14's interest and a higher number of MPs elected according to proportional representation would serve March 8's interest,

naharnet 27-FEB-13

[-said]: Although no consensus has been reached yet over this proposal, but it has achieved some progress and all blocs have agreed to the principle of proportional representation,

naharnet 27-FEB-13

[-explained]: I tried my best to reach an agreement over an electoral draft law and I welcomed the Mustaqbal bloc's participation at the committees, but I called for a vote on the Orthodox law once I sensed that the parties were conducting political maneuvers,

naharnet 26-FEB-13

[-said]: Let it be clear that I will not call for a general parliamentary session without a prior consensus [on an electoral law],

dailystar 26-FEB-13

[-said]: I run the sessions, I am one of the main elements of the national pact and I evaluate the interest of the country before I take any decision,

naharnet 25-FEB-13

[-said]: I challenge anyone to prove that this formula is biased to either March 14 or 8 coalitions,

naharnet 25-FEB-13

[-told]: I will not call for a general parliamentary session without consensus,

dailystar 25-FEB-13

[-added]: We need a law that doesn't favor a side over the other... Some March 14 figures are proposing electoral laws that guarantee their triumph in the elections... I don't think any rival party would agree on that,

naharnet 25-FEB-13

[said:]: I haven't spoken about it and I have neither set a week, nor two weeks nor 70 days for the General Assembly

naharnet 22-FEB-13

[warned that:]: Israel was planning to appropriate Lebanon's water resources to expand its settlements.

xinhuanet_en 21-FEB-13

[-said]: I will take my time in order to hold consultations with all the parties with a view to securing a consensus on a new electoral law,

lebanonews 20-FEB-13

[said:]: You have the 1960 law behind you and the Orthodox proposal in front of you. Therefore, you have no choice but to reach consensus.

yalibnan 20-FEB-13

[said:]: We don't forget about the king's role and his love for Lebanon.

naharnet 20-FEB-13

[-said]: We will then commence talks on the Orthodox [Gathering] proposal,

dailystar 18-FEB-13

[-added]: The worst proposal that gains national consensus will still be better than the best proposal over which political parties remain divided on,

dailystar 18-FEB-13

[said:]: Every time we grow apart, we will witness serious consequences not just in parliament but in the entire country.

naharnet 18-FEB-13

[-told]: There is still an opportunity for elections to be held on time,

dailystar 18-FEB-13

Fatfat [-said]: I can say that Speaker Nabih Berri was very responsive and I think he will do something in this regard because [the proposal] is a way out for all the Lebanese and it will resolve this crisis,

dailystar 03-MAY-13

Fatfat [-said]: We have asked Berri to revisit Hariri's suggestion and he showed high responsiveness to our request,

naharnet 02-MAY-13

Jumblatt [-said]: I visited Berri today to try to figure out a solution with regards to the parliamentary elections, and we discussed some new proposals that could resolve the impasse in the country,

dailystar 26-APR-13

Fatfat [-said]: We have a real opportunity from now till Tuesday to make comments and amendments to the number of qadas and governorates proposed by Berri,

naharnet 18-APR-13

Siniora [-said]: I think we are in front of an opportunity here. I praise Speaker Nabih Berri’s remarks when he said that the former majority is opening a new page with the former opposition, and that everyone should work together to salvage Lebanon,

dailystar 07-APR-13

Arslan [-said]: I hope all politicians from the different camps will delegate Berri with finding a social or political consensual figure, because we have full confidence in him and his ability to secure [an agreement] according to the country's needs,

dailystar 04-APR-13

Jumblat [-said]: My stance will always remain in harmony with Berri over the name of the nominee to head the government and maintaining the national unity,

naharnet 27-MAR-13

Fatfat [-told]: The decision is not in the hands of [Maronite] Patriarch [Cardinal Beshara Boutros al-Rai], Speaker Nabih Berri or Prime Minister Najib Miqati, but rather in the hands of Hezbollah and with the cover provided by [Free Patriotic Movement leader MP] Michel Aoun,

lebanonews 21-MAR-13

Miqati [-said]: Speaker Nabih Berri and I carried out the necessary phone calls to control the incident and prevent it from having any repercussions, I have also directed the security forces to swiftly detain the suspects,

naharnet 18-MAR-13

Mikati [-affirmed]: The moment the incident of the two Sheikhs occurred, I contacted House Speaker Nabih Berri so as necessary measures be adopted to catch perpetrators,

nna 18-MAR-13

Geagea [ said]: We have reached a mutual agreement for a hybrid formula with our allies in the March 14 coalition and [Speaker] Nabih Berri,

dailystar 14-MAR-13

Fatfat [-said]: Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri's electoral proposal lacks balance and gives full majority to March 8 forces,

nna 04-MAR-13

Harb [ said]: Some parties consider that Berri’s proposal is unfair for them and we are trying to reach a common formula,

dailystar 25-FEB-13

Harb [ said]: We had a very useful meeting with Berri and we held in-depth discussions over the elections,

dailystar 25-FEB-13

Arslan [-said]: Despite the differences among the Lebanese, Berri is an important national guarantee that all sides should gather around to overcome the delicate stage with minimum losses,

naharnet 23-FEB-13

Arslan [-told]: There are several electoral proposals and Berri is seeking to bridge the gap between the foes to reach consensus over the electoral law,

naharnet 23-FEB-13

Fatfat [-said]: I am convinced that Berri's endeavors weren't (innocent), he had plans to push forward the adoption of the proposal,

naharnet 21-FEB-13

Harb [-said]: That's why Berri had proposed one electoral formula for the Parliament to discuss and vote for,

nna 21-FEB-13

Mikati [-said]: If things go the way they are now with regards to parliamentary discussions and efforts by Speaker Nabih Berri bear fruits, then a new law for the parliamentary elections could be reached,

dailystar 29-JAN-13

Mikati [ said]: If parliamentary discussions over the elections law continued moving on the current course and House Speaker Nabih Berri's efforts were fruitful, we would accomplish an approval on a new electoral law,

nna 28-JAN-13

Aoun [-told]: We approved today the minutes of the eight meetings. We have all agreed to the sealed minutes and we will present it to Speaker Nabih Berri. We will then continue discussing the remaining topics in order to reach common denominators,

dailystar 15-JAN-13

Jumblat [-said]: It is necessary to periodically meet with Berri and discuss with him all the developments,

naharnet 09-JAN-13

Siniora [-told]: The March 14 response to Speaker’s Berri’s proposal will be positive,

dailystar 24-DEC-12

Fatfat [-said]: He (Berri) is the problem, especially regarding his provocative approach with us (the March 14 alliance) in the parliament,

naharnet 22-NOV-12

Hamadeh [ said]: We will not attend the parliamentary session called for by House Speaker Nabih Berri on Nov. 27,

dailystar 19-NOV-12

Geagea [said:]: It's only natural for us to reject a speaker from the March 8 alliance if we win the elections unless Berri decides to join March 14.

naharnet 14-NOV-12

Geagea [-had told]: With all due respect to Berri, we can no longer tolerate him as parliament speaker. We must form a harmonious government just as the other camp did,

naharnet 18-OCT-12

Geagea [-said]: Despite our respect towards him, we cannot accept Berri as speaker of parliament due to his current political alignment,

yalibnan 18-OCT-12

Mikati [-said]: Political communication over this matter even involved Speaker of the House Nabih Berri,

nna 10-OCT-12

Mikati [-said]: Never before did I accept to respond to opponents, so how will I respond to a friend and a brother Mr. Berri,

dailystar 24-AUG-12

Geagea [-told]: After discussions with all March 14 parties, we decided that our Deputies will not partake in the meeting of the Parliament Secretariat and to dispatch MP Makkari to put House Speaker Nabih Berri in the picture,

nna 05-JUL-12

Mikati [-told]: Today [Friday] is a joyous occasion for all Lebanese. I praise all the families who showed patience and thank all the leaderships that followed up on this matter, particularly Speaker Nabih Berri and Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah,

dailystar 26-MAY-12

Nasrallah [-said]: The operation is totally condemned and the priority is to seek ways to resolve the issue and I stress that the case is being followed by me and Speaker Nabih Berri and that we are addressing the issue with the highest level of responsibility,

naharnet 22-MAY-12

Jumblatt [-commented]: If we can through [Berri’s] call for dialogue on Tripoli enter into a more comprehensive dialogue, then we welcome his call,

dailystar 18-MAY-12

Jumblatt [-said]: I am determined that there be no misunderstanding between me and Berri,

dailystar 18-MAY-12

Hariri [ said]: With our full respect for Speaker Nabih Berri, whose good faith we don’t doubt, it is illogical and unacceptable to twist the only item remaining from the national dialogue, and transform it into dialogue on Tripoli,

naharnet 18-MAY-12

Hariri [-said]: With all due respect to Berri, whose positive intentions we do not doubt, it is not logical and unacceptable that the sole national dialogue item be diverted from discussions on weapons to talks on the subject of Tripoli,

dailystar 18-MAY-12