Press Digest for Friday September 20, 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.

• Speaker Berri says willing to resume contacts with Lebanese leaders to further elaborate on his initiative

Speaker Nabih Berri told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday that he will resume his contacts and meetings with all Lebanese leaders to further elaborate on the initiative he had previously proposed.

He also noted that all leaders welcomed the initiative and said were willing to participate in dialogue, with the exception of the Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea who said that previous dialogue sessions did not yield "positive results."

According to the Daily, Speaker Berri stressed that President Michel Seliman voiced his support to the initiative, adding that he is not against the formation of a new government prior to holding dialogue sessions.

• President Michel Sleiman to meet with US President Barack Obama

Sources told Al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday that the US ambassador to Lebanon David Hale officially informed President Michel Sleiman that he will be meeting with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly set to be held in New York next week.

Sources added that the meeting will tackle the latest developments in the region and their repercussions on Syria's neighboring countries, mainly Lebanon.

• BDL Governor Riad Salameh says Lebanon maintaining fiscal stability

The governor of Banque du Liban Riad Salameh told As-Safir newspaper on Friday that Lebanon is maintaining its fiscal stability, and that of the Lebanese Pound's exchange rate versus the US Dollar.

Governor Salameh also noted that the banking sector in Lebanon achieved a considerable growth this year despite the regional conflicts and their repercussions on the country.

On the sanctions imposed against Syria, Iran and Hezbollah, Salameh said that he does not expect further repercussions on the Lebanese banking sector in this regard.
 

• PM-Designate Salam says not seeking to form "fait accompli government"

Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam said on Friday to Al-Akhbar newspaper that he is not seeking to form a "fait accompli government."

According to the Daily, Salam stressed that all Lebanese factions are hindering the formation process, urging them to overcome their obstacles and reach a common ground over the government.

He also noted that dialogue sessions between Lebanese leaders to tackle the country's issues can be held before the formation of the new government.