Press Digest for Sunday September 29, 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.

• LF MP Zahra: Hezbollah and March 8 alliance are hindering the formation of a new government

Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra told Al Seyassah newspaper on Sunday that Hezbollah and March 8 alliance are "hindering the formation of the new government" in order to "weaken the Lebanese state."

He also urged President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam to "assume their constitutional responsibilities" and form the new government as soon as possible.

MP Zahra slammed the performance of caretaker Telecommunications Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui, adding that he is hindering the work f the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

• Lebanese authorities launch investigations into the asylum boat sinking-sources

Sources told Al-Mustaqbal newspaper on Sunday that the Lebanese authorities launched investigations to reveal the person who was behind the entering of the Lebanese nationals in Australia by illegal means.

Sources added that preliminary investigations showed that the person hails frm Akkar, noting that several persons were arrested in this regard.

• PM-Designate Salam to met with President Sleiman on Monday over the government's formation -sources

Sources told An-Nahar newspaper on Sunday that the Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam will be visiting the Baabda Palace on Sunday or Monday to meet with President Michel Sleiman.

Sources added that discussions will tackle the formation of a new government on the backdrop of President Sleiman's latest stances in this regard.

• MP al Rifaei: Reasons behind Baalbek's latest clashes are "personal"

Loyalty to the Resistance bloc MP Kamel al-Rifaei told Asharq al Awsat newspaper on Sunday that the reason behind the clashes that erupted on Saturday between Hezbollah and the Shiyyah clan in Baalbek is "personal."

MP al-Rifaei lashed out media outlets reports saying that the  clashes erupted on the background of political disputes between Hezbollah and the Shiyyah clan.

He also noted that the disputed parties agreed on the deployment of the Lebanese army in the region and the prosecution of all fugitives.