Following are summaries of some of the main stories in a selection of Lebanese newspapers Tuesday. The Daily Star cannot vouch for the accuracy of these reports.

An-Nahar

Government moves to contain repercussions of its decision

Opposition to face restrictions in Wednesday’s meeting

In the wake of the uproar sparked by Lebanon’s position toward Syria in the Arab League, Prime Minister Najib Mikati met Monday with Arab and foreign ambassadors with the prime purpose to contain the repercussions of Lebanon’s stance at both Arab and Western levels.

Sources close to Mikati told An-Nahar that the prime minister would carry on with his diplomat move Tuesday to clarify Lebanon’s position to ambassadors following the confusion over the issue.

Western diplomatic sources told An-Nahar that Western countries were disappointed with Lebanon’s position taken at the Arab League meeting in Cairo Sunday.

The sources said that instead of Lebanon isolating itself from the developments and unrest in Syria by objecting to vote against Syria, it has put itself in a similar position as that of Syria in terms of isolating itself from the rest of the region.

On the domestic front, the opposition continued consultations among its forces ahead of a parliamentary session scheduled for Wednesday to come out with a unified position as it clearly objects to the agenda which is devoid of any questioning of the government.

As-Safir

‘Pay raise sin’: Exit by increasing LL250,000 instead of LL 300,000!

Did Hariri ask for Britain’s contribution to cover Lebanon’s 2012 [STL] share?

Opposition sets up ‘parliamentary ambush’ for government ... Berri readies for face-off

Lebanon’s position at the Arab League remained a hot topic with the various political sides bickering over the issue amid the March 14 coalition’s ongoing campaign against Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour for voting against political and economic sanctions on Syria.

While Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri urged Saudi King Abdullah to intervene to reconcile Arabs, As-Safir has learned that Mikati telephoned King Abdullah's son, Prince Abdul Aziz, Monday and discussed with him the latest developments in the region.

In parallel, the crisis over funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon remained open to all possibilities – including the likelihood that some countries would contribute to pay Lebanon's share toward the tribunal as proposed by several parties from the majority.

However, the fate of this scenario depends on answers to questions raised by diplomatic sources as to whether it is true that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri requested during his visit to Britain earlier this month from Prime Minister David Cameron to pay part of Lebanon’s share to the STL due to financial hardships Lebanon is going through. Cameron responded to Hariri’s request, raising Britain’s annual contribution to the STL by $1 million.

Is it true that Cameron himself mentioned this initiative during talks with Mikati in London?

Al-Mustaqbal

U.N. concerned about ‘lack of border control’, Jumblatt ministers demand clarification on stance from Mansour

March 14 calls for sacking Syria’s ambassador in Beirut

Developments in Syria remained a hot topic amid a split in positions over a decision taken by the Hezbollah government during Sunday’s Arab League meeting which voted against the suspension of Syria’s membership and thus voting against the Arab will.

As March 8 forces, blessed by Syria’s Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdel-Karim Ali, were busy making statements in support of Lebanon’s position, the opposition March 14 coalition launched a vehement attack on Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour and called for the expulsion of the Syrian ambassador and the withdrawal of Lebanon’s Ambassador to Syria Michel Khoury.

At the ministerial level, Mansour responded to critics, stressing that his decision was not unilateral and that his decision reflects that of the Lebanese government.

However, Social Affairs Minister Wael Abu Faour said ministers from Walid Jumblatt’s National Struggle Front had not been informed of Lebanon’s decision prior to it being issued.

“Many [Cabinet] ministers learned of Lebanon’s position through the media,” Abu Faour complained, hoping they would receive a “transparent” response during Cabinet’s meeting Wednesday.

Ahead of a Nov. 29 Security Council meeting to debate a report, U.N. Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon Robert Watkins conveyed during talks with Mikati the U.N.’s concerns of the lack of border controls with Syria.

Al-Akhbar

No administrative appointments ... until political [issues are] settled

Administrative appointments do not seem to be moving on the right track as no discussions have been taking place in this respect. On the contrary, the issue remains frozen until the internal political conflict, which is a reflection of the regional conflict, is settled.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati, from what can be gleaned, has not set a timetable for these appointments. Neither does it seem that he will set a date to discuss appointments of public employees.

It has been rumored in Lebanese political circles that the crisis over appointments is one between President Michel Sleiman and head of the Change and Reform bloc, MP Michel Aoun.

Authors of this theory say Sleiman and Aoun are locked in a fierce battle over administrative appointments.