Press Digest for Monday June 24, 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.

• Berri: Army Command has full right to implement all necessary measures           

House Speaker Nabih Berri denounced the attack against the Lebanese Armed Forces in Sidon’s Abra region, and considered it as an act of betrayal against the Lebanese state.                         

Berri told An-Nahar newspaper that the Army Command has the full right to take all necessary measures in order to defend Lebanon and prevent strife.
               
On another note, the newspaper mentioned that Speaker Berri contacted Former Prime Ministers Saad Hariri and Fouad Siniora, assuring them that Hezbollah and the Amal movement are not participating in the clashes.            

• Salam discusses distribution of governmental portfolios              

An-Nahar newspaper said on Monday that Lebanese President Michel Sleiman reiterated his support to Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam, adding that the meeting between the 2 officials, which was held on Sunday, focused on the general framework of forming the cabinet.          

Sources close to MP Salam said that the latter is not willing to have a blocking third in the new cabinet, adding that he is adherent to the 8-8-8 formula [8 minister from March8, 8 from March 14, and 8 independent ministers].          

The sources mentioned to An-Nahar newspaper that Salam is proceeding with his discussions regarding the distribution of portfolios and the nomination of ministers, adding that the formation of the cabinet has become close.    

• Sources: Army Command to proceed with its operation against Assir’s supporters             

Military sources told As-Safir newspaper that the Lebanese Armed Forces-General Command took its decision to carry on with its military operation against the supporters of the Imam of Bilal bin Rabah mosque Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir.                  

According to the newspaper, "the army command has rejected holding talks with those who killed its soldiers, adding that a political solution regarding Sidon’s situation will not yield fruitful results".                  

• MP Mashnouk voices Future bloc’s support to LAF soldiers                   

Future Bloc MP Nouhad Mashnouk said that his bloc supports the Lebanese Armed Forces’ Command since it is Lebanon’s only means of protecting civil peace, adding that "the army command should take all necessary measures to defend Sidon and its citizens".                   

Mashnouk told Al-Akhbar newspaper that the Future bloc is politically supporting the LAF and considered that soldiers should put an end to the situation; thus, "refusing the killing or the detention of the Imam of Bilal bin Rabbah mosque Sheikh Ahmad Assir as a solution since it will increase tension in the region."  

Mashnouk criticized the formation of the Resistance Serail since it is a way of provoking strife, and denounced Sheikh Assir’s calls for Jihad.