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.
Al-Hayat daily reported on Saturday that leaders from the
majority and opposition in Lebanon fear the repercussions of the Syrian crisis
on the internal Lebanese situation.
The daily quoted political sources following up on the Syrian
events as saying that these concerns come amid the increasing
internationalization of the crisis on the grounds that the Arab monitors’ role
will gradually weaken and chances of implementing the Arab initiative are
narrowing down.
Well-informed sources said that the survival or collapse of
the Mikati cabinet became a secondary issue in comparison to the gravity of
these concerns.
The sources added that it is wrong for the opposition to think
that Jumblatt is reconsidering his political calculations by joining March 14
forces, adding that it is implausible that Jumblatt disavows the cabinet for an
alternative plan that is not yet available.
Free Syrian Army Leader Riyad Asaad denied accusations of
carrying out the suicide attack in Maidan District of Damascus on Friday.
Asaad accused the Syrian authorities of plotting the attack
in a bid to hold the Free Army after responsible for it after declaring the
resumption of operations against governmental forces.
Asaad confirmed to
Acharq Al-Awsat that the Free Army will
not remain tightlipped while the Syrian people are being slaughtered and killed
by the Assad regime.
The Free Army leader added that he is waiting for the results
from the Arab Ministerial meeting on Sunday to take the appropriate decisions.
Asaad revealed that the Free Syrian Army has drawn up a plan
that will be carried out in the upcoming days, adding that the plan implies
moving the battle to the heart of the regime, the security apparatuses and
presidential guards.
Asaad confirmed that in the event that the Arab monitors
declare the end of their mission without having stopped the killing machine in
Syria, all choices will be open to the Free Syrian Army to bring down the
regime.
The Free Army leader stressed that the Syrian regime will not
be able to survive for more than 6 months since the morale of government forces
is down.
According to
As-Siyasa daily, a high-ranking Syrian security
official launched a violent campaign against National Struggle Front Leader MP
Walid Jumblatt, during a meeting with the Lebanese Druze delegation.
The campaign came against Jumblatt’s recent call for a
drastic regime change in Syria.
The official told his visitors that Jumblatt has permanently
joined his ally former PM Saad Hariri and LF Leader Samir Geagea in conspiring
against Syria through direct inspiration of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State
for Near Eastern Affair Jeffrey Feltman.
The official added
that when the right time comes Jumblatt would be dealt with as the “most
dangerous part of the invisible trio.”
As-Siyasa daily quoted ministerial sources on Saturday as
saying that the appointments issue requires further examination given that many
obstacles prevent a possible consensus on the issue.
The sources added that President Michel Sleiman’s rejection
of carrying out appointments in “one basket” will prompt certain political
forces to reconsider their position in this regard.
The sources confirmed that no consensus has been reached
between Sleiman and Change and Reform Bloc Leader MP Michel Aoun on a candidate
for the head of Higher Judicial Council as well as candidates for other
positions reserved for Christians.
Abdul Hafeez al-Nahari, deputy head of the Media Department
of the ruling Congress Party, confirmed that Ali Abdullah Saleh’s travelling to
the U.S. is not a priority during this phase.
Al-Nahari told
Acharq al-Awsat daily that Saleh intends to
stay in the country until the upcoming presidential elections are carried out
and until the incumbent VP is elected as president.
Al-Nahari added that immunity laws granted to Saleh and his
working team were referred to parliament for approval.