The general-secretariat of the opposition March 14 coalition on Monday lauded the political document issued on Sunday by Syria’s Muslim Brotherhood, describing it as “historic in terms of its timing and content” and saying it represents “an essential and landmark addition to the promises of the Arab Spring.”

The Brotherhood vowed on Sunday to share power and respect democracy if President Bashar al-Assad is toppled.

The Phalange Party on Monday condemned a recent incident at the Antonine University, where 37 students performed Muslim prayer outside the administration’s offices in protest at its refusal to provide them with a private prayer room.

In a statement issued after its weekly meeting the party’s politburo condemned “what happened on the campus of the Antonine University, when a number of students of well-known affiliation violated the institution’s bylaws,” warning against “repeating this approach in universities affiliated with Christian religious foundations, especially after the surfacing of attempts to perform similar steps in other universities.”

Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi announced on Monday that he will present an initiative to resolve the dispute over the appointments in the Higher Judicial Council, hoping that the government would reach an agreement over the appointment of the head of the council.

He announced in a press conference that he will present a decree in May on the appointment of five members of the council.

Disabled Man Left Homeless after Collapse of his Zgharta House

A disabled man and his sister have been left homeless after their house in the village of Bou Seet in Zgharta collapsed on Sunday, reported the National News Agency on Monday.

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea criticized on Monday the government’s performance, while slamming the Free Patriotic Movement’s handling of the electricity file.

He said after holding talks in Maarab with Phalange Party MP Sami Gemayel: “The government will collapse sooner or later.”

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat praised on Monday the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood’s statement on the developments in their country, saying that it reflected the Sunni population’s openness to regional changes.

He said: “The Muslim Brotherhood demonstrated moderation, diversity, and equality.”

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly on Monday discussed with Prime Minister Najib Miqati last week’s visit to Lebanon by a U.N. electoral assistance team.

“The team of experts were here to examine what possible assistance may be extended to Lebanon in line with the initial preparations for the forthcoming elections,” said Plumbly after the meeting at the Grand Serail.

The oil sector announced a three-day general strike next week to press the government to meet the demands of gas station owners and fuel distributors.

The head of the Association of Petroleum Importing Companies Maroun Shammas reiterated on Monday the request to increase their royalties from a surcharge on the transfer of oil-related material to 7.5 percent.

Hospitals were on Monday only admitting “critical cases” during a strike by hospitals and doctors for the refusal of the National Social Security Fund to increase physicians' fees.

The head of the Syndicate of Private Hospitals Suleiman Haroun told Free Lebanon Radio, that the hospitals will only admit patients with severe hemorrhage, those who have heart and respiratory problems and who undergo dialysis, and victims of traffic accidents.

Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas expressed his confidence on Monday that the cabinet will overcome the dispute on the electricity crisis “safely” during a session at the Baabda Palace.

“Prime Minister (Najib Miqati) proposed his scientific approach for the electricity crisis based on the available capabilities and latest technologies,” Nahhas told Voice of Lebanon Radio (93.3).