Press Digest for Friday May 4, 2012

4^min

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.

Feltman did not comfort opposition, urged March 14 to win elections

As-Safir daily quoted sources as saying that, during his visit to Lebanon, Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffery Feltman did not comfort the opposition regarding the Iranian or Syrian situation. Feltman told the opposition that “Assad’s regime is bound to be toppled”, without going into further details.

According to the newspaper, Feltman highlighted the need for March 14 forces to win the upcoming parliamentary elections to prevent Hezbollah from taking a hold of the country. He encouraged March 14 leaders to deepen their understanding and come to an agreement on the electoral law.

Feltman emphasized the importance of holding elections on time, voicing fear that Syria or its Lebanese allies will do everything in their power to undermine the Lebanese elections.

Aoun kicks off election season from Platea Theater on Saturday

An-Nahar daily reported that the Head of the Change and Reform bloc MP Michel Aoun will inaugurate tomorrow the season of parliamentary elections in Keserwan then in Mount Lebanon as well as all constituencies where there’s a substantial Christian presence. The daily added that Aoun is expected to hold a ceremony on Saturday in the Platea Theater in Sahel Alma to mark the 7th anniversary of his return to Lebanon in May 2005.

According to the newspaper, Aoun is expected to address messages to President Sleiman, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea as well as other Arabs in order to stress the FPM’s alliance with the Syrian regime against the popular uprising.

U.S. diplomats: If Syrian refugees in Lebanon reach 50,000 what will Lebanese authorities do?

As-Safir daily reported that U.S. diplomats are focusing currently on Iran and Syria, paying particular attention to Syrian refugees.

According to the newspaper, the Americans are approaching the issue of refugees in the light of accurate numbers and statistics. U.S. officials are asking Lebanese authorities what they plan to do if the number of refugees increases and whether they can offer shelter, food and main services, especially if the Syrian crisis will be prolonged.

According to the officials, statistics show that more than 20,000 Syrian refugees are currently in Lebanon, adding that they expect this number to jump to 50,000. They asked the government about the measures that it will take if the refugees spread from the North towards the Bekaa, since this will take its toll on the Bekaa diversified and sectarian environment.

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