Press Digest for Saturday July 27, 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.

• Abou Faour: The State should assume its responsibilities toward Syrian refugees

An-Nahar Daily reported that, within the framework of searching for ways to solve the issue of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, it has been suggested to provide Lebanon with concessional loans instead of financial aid.                

In this context, caretaker Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour stressed that this matter remains a suggestion and has not yet been seriously discussed, noting on the other hand that they will not accept it since it will increase the public debt.                  

In a statement to an-Nahar Newspaper, Abou Faour called on the government to assume its responsibilities and fulfill its commitments to the Syrian people.           

• Russia will not add Hezbollah on its blacklist               

An expert in the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Science Academy Alexander Dimithenko stressed that Russia will not add the military and political wings of Hezbollah on its blacklist, noting that it prefers to maintain an impartial position in this regard.                

In a statement to as-Safir Daily, the expert explained that Russia is the only country that maintained its communications with Hamas Movement which is considered by the world as the source of terrorism.                        

“The main goal of Hezbollah is fighting Israel in the name of the Resistance, and accusing it of terrorism for fighting alongside the Syrian army is unfair,” he added.    

• New cabinet will not see the light anytime soon

The Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam ruled out any possibility that the new cabinet will see the light within the next two weeks, stressing that his mission is difficult and he is seeking to do what is best for Lebanon.                              

In a statement to al-Liwaa Daily, Salam said that he is working amid difficult conditions, refusing to revealing the situation of the consultations conducted within the framework of the formation process with President Michel Sleiman and the political parties.                        

• Saudi Arabia wants solution to the Syrian conflict to include Lebanon 

As-Safir Daily reported that the decision of the European Union to add the military wing of Hezbollah on the terror list aims at placing the file of the party among the issues pending discussions, whether by describing it as the Iranian power in the region or as a part of the conflict with Israel.                        

In this context, the daily quoted a source as saying that Saudi Arabia seeks a solution to end the Syrian conflict that will include Lebanon, calling for sectarian balance in the Arab World.