The following are summaries of today's major stories published in the
Arabic press. LBCI does not edit press digest articles for content,
giving English-language readers insight into the various views expressed
in newspapers across the Arab world.
In
a statement to
al-Joumhouria daily, Speaker Nabih Berri voiced discontent with
information leaked by media outlets regarding the first dialogue session,
adding that the leakage spurred negative reactions among certain participants,
creating a negative atmosphere for the dialogue.
Berri
added that President Michel Sleiman had intended to call for another dialogue
session next week but PM Najib Mikati’s week-long trip to Brazil, scheduled for
Friday, obliged him to postpone it until the premier’s return.
President
Michel Sleiman confirmed to
al-Akhbar daily that it is normal to have different
evaluations of the recent dialogue session, wishing that Lebanese Forces leader
Samir Geagea and former PM Saad Hariri had attended the session.
“During
the dialogue session, we called out loud for isolating Lebanon from regional
and international conflicts”, Sleiman added.
Commenting
on the establishment of a buffer zone in Lebanon, Sleiman said “this is another
significant issue. Certain parties, such as March 14, hinted at the creation of
a buffer zone. At the session, we rejected any buffer or safe zone".
The president
added that everything decided during dialogue sessions is imposed on
participants who represent all sects and movements.
“The rejection of
a buffer zone was agreed upon by all participants in the dialogue”, he
stressed.
U.N. Special
Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly confirmed to
As-Safir daily that
respecting the Lebanese sovereignty is priority for the U.N., adding that the
success of the LAF is key to stability in Lebanon.
“The U.N.is keen
that Lebanon does not serve as a corridor for arms smuggling into Syria”, he
stressed.
Plumbly also
pointed out that drilling for oil is an opportunity that Lebanon should seize.
Plumbly also
revealed a U.N. program to assist the Lebanese Interior Ministry in preparing
for the upcoming legislative elections.
Lebanese military
sources told
As-Safir daily that Lebanon will not compromise on its maritime
rights, adding that negotiations have so far confirmed Lebanon’s right to a maritime
space of 530 kilometers.
The sources highlighted a difference
between negotiations to demarcate the maritime borders, which require a long
period of time, and negotiations to draw a naval separation line which is currently
the main focus of efforts since it allows Lebanon to leverage its offshore wealth
until a final solution is reached for the border issue, as he said.
PM Najib Mikati confirmed to
An-Nahar
daily that he is comfortable with the recent “productive and fruitful” cabinet session
which approved the agenda items in a “calm and productive” atmosphere.
Mikati pointed out that the session was
postponed pending the recovery of Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi from the
indisposition.
Thursday’s
session will be also postponed due to Safadi’s health conditions.