Press Digest for Wednesday June 19, 2013

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.



Sheikh Assir solicits military assistance of armed groups in Ain el-Helwe

Palestinian sources told "Al-Akhbar" newspaper on Wednesday that the Imam of Bilal bin Rabah mosque Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir contacted yesterday armed groups in Ain el-Helwe in order to provide him with military assistance.

Sources added that dignitaries in Ain el-Helwe camp held contacts with Sheikh al-Assir in order to spare the camp the ongoing clashes in Sidon.

According to the Daily, the Islamic forces of the Palestinian camp convened in a meeting during which the representative of Hamas asserted  that the Palestinian camps will not partake in the ongoing security incidents in Sidon.


Head of CC Issam Sleiman says extension law enters into effect next Friday

Head of the Constitutional Council Issam Sleiman told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday that the last meeting of the Council will be held next Friday as being the last day of the deadline given to the Council to issue a final decision regarding the submitted appeals challenging the extension of the parliament's mandate.

Sleiman added that the law pertaining to the parliament's extension will enter into effect as of next Friday should a decision over the matter not be issued.

He also called for amending the quorum's article to become equal to the number of votes required to issue a decision over the submitted appeals.


President Sleiman files note over Syrian violations to UN

Source told As-Safir newspaper on Wednesday that President Michel Sleiman handed over the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly a note over the Syrian violations against Lebanon.

Sources added that contacts were held with Lebanese and Syrian security and military leaders in a bid to hinder the Syrian violations.



EU Foreign Policy chief Ashton suggests the establishment of Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon

Sources told As-Safir newspaper on Wednesday that Speaker Nabih Berri sent a letter to the Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai explaining to him the reasons behind the extension of the parliament's mandate.

Speaker Berri also said to Patriarch Rai that he is willing "to adopt the 1960 electoral law if he agrees."

In this context, sources added that European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton urged during her meeting with President Michel Sleiman the swift formation of a new government.

As well, she suggested the establishment of camps for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, adding that President Sleiman rejected such an idea.