Decision to Shift Weekly Holiday in Sidon from Sunday to Friday Sparks Debate Lebanese Labor Minister Assaad Hardan's decision to shift the weekly holiday for commercial stores in Sidon and its suburbs from Sunday to Friday has sparked debate among officials since this issue could highlight sectarian differences between Muslims and Christians, An Nahar and Asharq Al Awasat reported Saturday.

In most Arab and Muslim countries the weekly holiday is Friday whereas in ebanon, due to the presence of both Muslims and Christians in the country, the holiday is on Sunday. The papers quoted Hardan as saying that his decision has no sectarian motives and that it was in response to a demand by the Association of Sidon's Merchants. Hardan said the stores would be closed each Friday and would open on Sundays until 1:30 p.m. "The suggestion came from the merchants who wanted to organize their work in a way that makes them feel comfortable...had I received any objection I wouldn't have issued the decision," said Hardan.

Asharq Al Awasat quoted Sidon's Mayor Abdel Rahman Bizri as saying: "Opening stores on Sunday makes the people of Sidon and its suburbs feel more comfortable." Christian opposition MP Pierre Gemayel expressed his surprise at the decision saying, "Such a decision affects co-existence in the country and the sectarian issue should be taken into consideration." He added that such a move should not be decided by one person, but should be discussed by the council of ministers.