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.
National Struggle Front leader MP Walid Jumblatt described the
current Lebanese situation as “unstable” adding that national dialogue among Lebanese factions is the only means
out of the crisis.
Jumblatt told
As-Safir newspaper that he discussed the local and
regional situations with various officials, praising the Saudi openness on all Lebanese
political parties especially the Change and Reform Bloc and its leader MP Michel Aoun.
In this regard, MP Jumblatt honored the stance of Saudi ambassador
to Lebanon Ali Awad Assiri and stressed on the efforts that the latter is
exerting in regards to the Lebanese-Saudi relations.
Future Bloc MP Nohad el-Machnouk said the Lebanese situation is “exceptional”
adding that the new cabinet should work for the interests of Lebanese people.
Machnouk told
Al-Joumhouria newspaper that Future Bloc MPs rejected
the 8-8-8 governmental formula [8 ministers from March 8, 8 from March 14, and
8 independent ministers]; however, “they did not yet deliver their official stance since
they do not want to impede the work of Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam”.
As for Hezbollah’s intervention in the Syrian crisis, Mashnouk
told the newspaper that “this continuous interference will be leading towards
more conflicts among Lebanese citizens”.
Al-Joumhouria newspaper quoted on
Saturday Free Patriotic Movement sources as saying there are some inconsistencies
between Change and Reform Bloc leader MP Michel Aoun and Hezbollah from one
side, and between MP Aoun and House Speaker Nabih Berri from the other side.
However, sources told
Al-Joumhouria that the coalition between the FPM and
Hezbollah is strategic and may not end easily.
According to the newspaper, MP Aoun is
working to improve the conditions of his alliance with Hezbollah and does not
have the intention of ending it.
In light of the European follow up on
the Lebanese situation, sources told
Al-Joumhouria newspaper that Former French
Prime Minister Alain Juppe will be visiting Lebanon on the 16th of
July to meet with various Lebanese officials.
It is worth noting that Former PM Francois
Fillon is on a visit to Lebanon whereby he met with Lebanese President Michel
Sleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, Head of the Future Bloc Fouad Siniora, National
Struggle Front Leader MP Walid Jumblatt and Lebanese Forces’ Chief Samir
Geagea.
Former PM Fillon is also expected to
hold talks today (Saturday) with the Kataeb party leader Amine Gemayel.