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.
Speaker Nabih Berri told
As-Safir newspaper on Monday that he called on MP Saad Hariri to return to Lebanon in order to facilitate the formation of a new government.
He noted that the insistence of Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam on the 8-8-8- formula is hindering the formation of the awaited government.
Speaker Berri stressed that Hezbollah and the Amal movement's part in the government is five ministers, adding that both parties cannot cede their rights in this regard.
According to the Daily, Speaker Berri applauded the latest speech of Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in which he supported the Lebanese army and called for unconditional dialogue between Lebanese leaders.
Sources told
Al-Liwaa newspaper on Monday that the latest meeting between Change and Reform bloc head MP Michel Aoun and Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah tackled the extension of Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Jean Kahwagi's mandate.
Sources added that Sayyed Nasrallah is reportedly convinced in MP Aoun's stance of not extending Kahwagi's term and appointing Chief Commander of the Rangers Regiment Brigadier General Chamel Roukoz as the new LAF Commander.
Sources close to Hezbollah asserted to the Daily that the LAF leadership's file will be settled before the end of Kahwagi's term in September.
Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Adnan Mansour told
As-Safir newspaper on Monday that he expected the failure of the European Union in putting Hezbollah on the terrorist organizations list.
He also noted that the United States, the United Kingdom, France and the Jewish lobby are exerting diplomatic efforts to see Hezbollah on the EU's list amid the reservation of Cyprus, Malta, the Czech Republic and Ireland.
According to the Daily, Caretaker Minister Mansour accused some Lebanese leaders in "plotting with European leaders and ambassadors against Hezbollah."
He also warned against the instability and dangers that Lebanese could incur should any decision be taken in this regard.
Caretaker Minister of Education Hassan Diab told
An-Nahar newspaper on Monday that Lebanon is in dire need for dialogue to solve disputes among leaders.
He called for drafting an electoral law based on a single electorate district, adding that such a law would prevent extremism and achieve justice and equality between the Lebanese people.
According to the Daily, caretaker Minister Diab said that Hezbollah's weapons must be discussed during the National Dialogue table as part of the defense strategy.
He also urged March 14 and the March 8 alliance to ease down their provocative rhetoric to spare Lebanon further tensions.