Press Digest for Friday November 15, 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.

• Siniora says Lebanon is heading towards more democracy

Head of the Future Bloc Former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said on Friday that Lebanon is heading towards more democracy and co-existence, quoting late Pope John Paul II when he said “Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message”.

Siniora told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that “democracy remains, regardless of its disadvantages, the best governing system since it grants citizens the ability of amending laws and regulations in a way that serves the entire society”.

Siniora added that Lebanon may witness throughout the upcoming stage both failure and success; urging citizens not to give up on their main goal which is moving towards democracy.

• March 14 Forces to hold conference on Tripoli - Sources

Sources reported on Friday that the March 14 forces are preparing for a national conference on Tripoli in the upcoming month to reiterate their support to co-existence, and national responsibility.

The sources added that the conference will be attended by religious, political, and economic figures from Tripoli, as well as civil society organizations and other officials and deputies from the northern Lebanese city.

In the same context, sources reported to the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Anbaa that the March 14 forces will emphasize the need of halting all violent activities in Tripoli, and will also call for implementing all laws in the city in a bid to make social security a priority above all other considerations.

Sources also reported that officials will issue the “Tripoli Declaration” which will shed light on the priorities and needs of citizens at the northern Lebanese city.

• Hezbollah prepares offensive on Syria's Qalamoun ahead of Geneva 2 conference

Al-Watan Saudi newspaper said on Friday that it obtained secret documents stating that Hezbollah is preparing a new offensive on the Syrian region of Qalamoun that is likely "to boost  Syrian President Bachar al-Assad's confidence" prior to Geneva 2 conference.

The Daily added that Hezbollah spies were deployed in the region among the rebels to obtain information that would help the armed party in its expected assault.