Press Digest for Sunday July 28, 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.

• Minister Ghosn says will not accept void at military institution            

Caretaker Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn told Al-Diyar newspaper that there is nothing new in regards to extending the mandate of the Lebanese Armed Forces’ General Commander.                      
Ghosn added that officials are seeking legal means to extend General Jean Kahwagi’s term, stressing that they will not allow any void at the military institution.                           

• March 14 forces discuss EU decision on Hezbollah                    

The General Secretariat of March 14 forces, Fares Soueid told An-Nahar newspaper that a meeting for March 14 forces was held on Friday at Beit al-Wasat.                      

Soueid said that officials during the meeting discussed the governmental file, and the European Union decision on Hezbollah in light of the latter’s participation in the Syrian crisis.         
Soueid added that the meeting was “a session of discussion”, stressing that the aim behind it is uniting the political point of view of March 14 forces.                

• MP Ziad Qadri reiterates Future bloc's adherence to Lebanon's stability             

An-Nahar newspaper said on Sunday that Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rai’s meeting with the Zahle and West Bekaa officials and deputies was based on utmost frankness and honesty.          

In this context, An-Nahar added that Future Bloc MP Ziad Qadri briefed Patriarch Rai on the stance of Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri regarding various local issues, reiterating the Future bloc’s adherence to Lebanon's stability and security.                     

• MP Dib: Each party is independently discussing the governmental file        

MP Hekmat Dib said on Sunday that March 8 forces had previously announced that their coalition is strategic, adding that discussions regarding the formation of the new cabinet are based upon this concept.           

Dib told Acharq Al-Awsat newspaper that each party is independently negotiating the governmental file; however, they all agree on forming a national unity cabinet that ensures just representation for all religious sects and political factions.