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Latest update: 01/03/2009 

- climate change - Lebanon - Nicolas Sarkozy - Rafiq Hariri - Robert Mugabe - Saad Hariri - UK - Zimbabwe


In The Papers
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FRANCE 24 journalists present a round-up of the world's daily papers.
By Catherine NORRIS TRENT (text)

Al Mustaqbal (Lebanon)

 
The opening of the international tribunal into the killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is, unsurprisingly, a huge issue in the Lebanese press. The newspaper Al Mustaqbal dedicates half of its front page to the story – perhaps unsurprising given that the publication was launched by Saad Hariri, Rafik Hariri’s son. The paper’s coverage expresses both sadness at losing “martyrs” like Rafik Hariri, and joy at the hope of finally being able to turn the page on the killing.
 
 
 
An article in the United Arab Emirates-owned newspaper, The National, provides some interesting background on the tribunal. The paper has an account by a TV producer, formerly employed by the International Red Cross, who visited in prison the four generals accused of playing a role in Hariri’s death. The writer describes their cells, complete with prayer spaces and a sea view, and recalls his in-depth conversation with one of the accused  - a top Syrian intelligence official.
 
 
 
Lots of publications around the world feature stories on Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe’s 85th birthday celebrations, which reached a head yesterday. Much of the coverage is in Western newspapers vocally critical of Mugabe. The British left-wing paper The Independent is running a very unflattering photo of Mugabe tucking into his birthday cake, said to have weighed 85kg to mark the president’s 85 years. The Independent describes the lavishness of the event, at which lobsters and champagne were on the menu, as well as reporting Mugabe’s remarks at the rally.
 
 

New York Times (USA)

American paper The New York Times goes into a bit more detail about the funding for yesterday’s rally, which was attended by around 3000 people. The newspaper cites the reported cost as 250,000 US dollars, and said that more than half that money was raised at a last minute dinner dance on Wednesday. There’s been speculation that Mugabe’s officials had difficulty raising funds for the event.
 
 

Journal Du Dimanche (France)
 
There’s been huge controversy in France surrounding the nomination of a close advisor to President Nicolas Sarkozy to become head of a merger of two big banks – the Caisse d’Epargne and the Banque Populaire. Critics say the move is a flagrant conflict of interests, but the nominated new boss hits back in a brief interview with French Sunday newspaper Journal Du Dimanche. Francois Pérol insists he’s done everything legally, consulted lawyers etc, and doesn’t see any problem. Pérol tells the newspaper he now he just wants to get on with his job, and meet some of the new banking group’s 110,000 employees.
 
 

The Times (UK)
 
According Britain’s Sunday Times, the UK Department of Health has drawn up emergency plans in case of  heat waves. The newspaper says scientists have advised the government that the country faces ever more hot spells due to climate change. The resulting official advice includes taking siestas - not traditionally part of British culture.

 

 

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